Mutually learning from one another

These questions about market positioning and differentiation are challenging, but they share a common answer: learning from others. This learning extends beyond the immediate or extended neighbourhood. By leveraging the experiences of market competitors from other countries and continents, companies can avoid common pitfalls and explore new, promising paths.

Industry associations, such as the European Association EAACA or the Chinese Association CACA, play a crucial role in ensuring that AAC continues to expand its market presence. However, learning from others on a global scale can be challenging for an association. Addressing this issue, your trade journal AAC Worldwide has taken on the challenge with a new event concept aimed precisely at achieving this goal.

The AAC Academy, held for the first time in late May this year in Istanbul, Turkey, is designed to offer precisely this opportunity. Through workshops and lectures, internationally renowned experts provided guidance on the everyday challenges faced by AAC producers, regardless of their country of origin. The goal is to promote exchange and mutual benefit to collectively strengthen the industry.

At the inaugural AAC Academy, participants benefited from the insights of an expert with decades of experience in the cement industry, who advised delegates on how to critically evaluate and optimize cement use in production. Additionally, a workshop on strategies for purchasing negotiations and contract awards provided many attendees with entirely new perspectives.

Beyond the workshops and lectures, networking among participants is a clear focus of the AAC Academy. Here, attendees automatically learn from each other, often through casual conversations and small talk.

The AAC Academy provides numerous opportunities for such exchanges. In addition to extensive networking opportunities with suppliers, a factory tour, which is an integral part of the event series, offers an excellent chance to absorb knowledge and experience from other industry experts.

Read a detailed follow-up report on the first AAC Academy starting on page XX. If you're interested in attending a future AAC Academy, stay updated by regularly reading AAC Worldwide, signing up for our newsletter, and following us on LinkedIn to ensure you don't miss any updates.