West Virginia Coal Show planning speeds ahead

Interest in the 2024 West Virginia Coal Show, being held alongside the 59th anniversary West Virginia Coal Association Symposium, is growing quickly and gaining significant positive feedback.

By Donna Schmidt

Are you ready for a really great coal show? The answer to that question so far seems to be a resounding yes.

In the few short weeks since announcing this inaugural show, set for March 26-27, 2024, at the Charleston Convention Center and Coliseum in West Virginia’s capital city, we have been receiving a steady stream of questions from across the mining community. What’s more, and with much excitement, we can say that many of these queries are coming from well outside of West Virginia’s borders.

Keep watching every issue, including the March 2024 show edition of North American Mining magazine, as well as Miners News Global and our social channels, for the very latest. Here is the roundup as of press time.

FREE admission
Registrations will be opening soon for attendees to the West Virginia Coal Show. Want to join us? Keep an eye on wvcoalshow.com as well as your email for a link to get your pre-registration. Pre-registrations will be highly recommended, as only those who get their registration in advance will be able to enter free and qualify for substantial door prizes. For those who wait too long, on-site admission will be available for a fee.

Booth reservation
The response to booth space reservations from those wanting to be a part of the West Virginia Coal Show has been quick and overwhelmingly positive. If you want a specific position on the floor plan, reach out today to Michael Schoppenhorst at (678) 822-9801 for real-time availability. At press time, our special features were also being booked fast, so booths near them will sell out next.

Lodging options
We have had inquiries from attending companies in regards to housing and hotels. These deals are now finalized, with the Holiday Inn Express Civic Center as headquarters and other hotels around the Convention Center offering discounted rates. Watch the announcements on our website and on social media for more.

Special pricing for NAM and MNG
The sales manager for North American Mining magazine, Vic Matteucci, has opened up his deals portfolio for special pricing on both print and digital advertising in NAM as well as the Miners News Global online news and newsletter. Interested in a program package that includes pre-show coverage as well as a presence in the show issue in March 2024? Reach out to (440) 257-7565 today.

Looking for details on show hours, parking, special features and our latest confirmed supporters? Check wvcoalshow.com.

West Virginia coal’s role
Did you know that West Virginia coal and coal-fired power generators account for more than $14 billion in annual economic activity for the state? And that more than 50,000 West Virginians work within the industry? 

How about this: West Virginia-produced coal accounts for over 40% of our nation’s total coal exports. Surprised? 

As one of the top coal top coal-producing state, we shouldn’t be. But despite the rough waters of the market, West Virginia remains at the forefront of keeping cities and towns within its borders running smoothly – as well as many others. After all, coal accounts for over 50% of West Virginia’s total export products. 

One can hardly miss the state’s coal ties; there are few West Virginia counties that can be passed through without seeing a mine or the product that has come from it traveling the byways. 

Operators have also found that the industry-friendly region has been one in which to invest, according to West Virginia Coal Association President Chris Hamilton. The WVCA is joining SEMCO Publishing and North American Mining as hosts of the West Virginia Coal Show and 50th annual West Virginia Mining Symposium next March.

“There’s been over $8 billion in new investments in West Virginia mining operations over the past several years, including approximately $2 billion in 2022-23,” he said. 

“West Virginia Coal Association members account for the lion’s share of all metallurgical coal produced here in West Virginia. Our state’s thermal and metallurgical coal producers stand united in support of good public policy to promote and sustain the growth of our extractive industries in West Virginia.” The WVCA has kicked off an initiative to add to its fold for its Friends of Coal organization. Free membership, and more on the critical role West Virginia coal plays, can be found at friendsofcoal.org.

Charleston: At the heart of it all
You may recall the event space as the Charleston Civic Center, but since renovations were completed in 2019, the massive campus in the center of the city is now the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. Home to concerts, expositions, sporting events and more, it will also be the host venue for the West Virginia Coal Show. SEMCO Publishing and North American Mining magazine are excited to be teaming with the CCCC for this inaugural event and the 50th anniversary of the West Virginia Coal Association Symposium.

“Holding this exciting event in the heart of Appalachian coal country, in the beautiful city of Charleston, was an easy decision,” said show director and SEMCO Publishing president Peter Johnson. “It is not only the heart of West Virginia, but a core hub of coal business and policy for the state and this region of the country. We’re thrilled to be hosting the event here.”

EXHIBIT SPACE SELLING FAST
EXHIBITORS AS OF 11-15-23

www.wvcoalshow.com