INFUSION24 celebrates pipe fusion industry – from the ground up

INFUSION24 is officially in the history books!

Colorful, cut-out style text reads: “IN24 FROM THE GROUND UP OCT. 8-11, 2024,” with “IN24” and the dates in bold, playful typography on a white background.

With record-breaking attendance and a total of 19 countries represented, INFUSION24 was the culmination of all things plastic pipe fusion and brought together industry professionals for three days of networking, education, and plenty of fun.

We started Tuesday off right with a pre-welcome reception at the Tulsa-based Cabin Boys Brewery, where early arrivals were treated to brewery tours, pub food, and games like ping pong and cornhole.

A group of people socialize and laugh at an indoor event in a brick-walled venue. Three men stand in the foreground holding drinks, while others mingle in the background near wooden tables and benches.

We were blown away by the enthusiasm and energy of this year’s crowd. Because INFUSION has grown so much each year, INFUSION24’s general sessions were held in The Cove, an arena that’s played host to some of the biggest names in music and comedy. As our numbers continue to grow, we’re excited to see the arena become more and more full each year.

An audience sits in a dark theater facing a brightly lit stage where several people stand. Large screens display the stage action, and colorful graphics are visible on the stage backdrop.

In The Cove, attendees heard from McElroy President and CEO Chip McElroy as he outlined the company’s future plans while also honoring all that has taken place in the 70 years since his parents, Art and Panny McElroy, founded their business in their garage in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Attendees heard from keynote speaker Rand Stagen of The Stagen Institute, who provided insight in how leaders can effectively get the most out of their teams. A second keynote – RedButton.ai Founder Sam Stanton, along with Chief of Staff Robbie Sawyer – discussed the many ways that artificial intelligence can be harnessed for businesses and staff.

And the fun kept coming. INFUSION24’s official welcome reception provided a taste of the tropics in River Spirit’s Margaritaville.

A man wearing a yellow Hawaiian shirt and purple lei paints on a canvas at an indoor event, with a crowd and tropical-themed decorations in the background.
A lively indoor event with many people socializing around tables, a large artificial palm tree, and tropical-themed decor. Some attendees stand, while others sit, creating a festive atmosphere.
A group of eight smiling men pose together at an event, wearing badges and standing in front of a banner that reads INFUSION24 PRESENTED BY MCMARROY. Some hold props and one wears a pink lei.

On Wednesday afternoon, attendees headed back to The Cove to celebrate this year’s Champions of Fusion, Fusion Hall of Fame recipients, sales awards, and more. That afternoon, breakout sessions provided deeper dives on everything from industry trends to new equipment to Redbutton.ai’s tips and tricks for leveraging artificial intelligence.

A large group of people sit at long tables in a conference room, listening attentively. Some are eating or drinking while others look forward. The room has high ceilings and neutral walls.

That night, a tailgate-inspired event at the University of Tulsa treated guests to yard games, axe throwing, and dinner under the stars as the October weather provided a perfect evening for the event.

First thing Thursday morning, one of INFUSION’s most-anticipated events took place: Product Showcase. Held for the first time at McElroy’s newest campus in Broken Arrow, Product Showcase gave attendees a chance to see and get hands-on with some of our latest equipment, including the Tritan 560, the TracStar® 412i, and the TracStar® 618i. Future plans for the Broken Arrow campus – including a brand-new state-of-the-art space for McElroy University – were detailed to guests as they toured the facility.

A large indoor event with many people seated at round tables covered with red, orange, and yellow tablecloths. The spacious venue has high ceilings and is brightly lit, with a lively atmosphere.
A man demonstrates a large industrial machine to a small group under a tent at an outdoor event, engaging with a visitor carrying a backpack. Several people are observing in the background.

Ready to relive your INFUSION24 adventure? CLICK HERE to access our photo gallery.