The upcoming edition of IVS – Industrial Valve Summit, the leading international exhibition and conference on valve and flow control technologies, scheduled from May 19 to 21, 2026 at the Bergamo Exhibition Centre, in Italy, will shine a spotlight on control valves in order to support and discuss the evolving technology.

On the way to the sixth edition of Industrial Valve Summit

Archived the success of 2024, Confindustria Bergamo and Promoberg – the event organizing bodies – are looking forward to IVS 2026. The goal is to fuel the qualitative growth of the Summit, by confirming this event as the benchmark place to meet and interpret change. The target is substantiated by the increase in exhibitors and international attendance, which gives the opportunity to multiply the points of contact between the excellence of the Italian supply chain and operators from around the world.

The fifth edition of IVS, which took place from 14th to 16th May 2024, marked record numbers and established itself as an essential showcase for the industry, strengthen its international dimension. In facts, IVS 2024 closed with a final influx of 15,000 visitors from 69 countries. The attendance was 25% higher compared to the Summit’s fourth edition, when the city of Bergamo attracted 12,000 guests. The protagonists of IVS 2024 were the 325 exhibitors (+13% compared to the 2022 edition) from 14 countries. The international element proved to be in great turmoil, with foreign companies doubling in number compared to the fourth edition and reaching 20% of the total number of exhibitors.

IVS 2024 offered 52 events including conferences, roundtables, workshops, case studies and laboratories, constituting a plan more than 50% larger than the 34 in-depth technical events of IVS 2022. The organisers boosted the quality of the event, increased the number of appointments in the exhibition programme and enriched the side events, leading Industrial Valve Summit to grow from a two-day exhibition to a full-fledged valve week.

The Crucial Role of Process and Control Valves

The scientific programme of IVS 2026 will provide a platform for professionals to explore innovative solutions and share knowledge. By meeting the challenges of the present and delving into new technologies, the sector can develop greater efficiency, security and sustainability, consolidating its role as the cornerstone of global energy supply.

Process and control valves are one of the backbones of the Oil & Gas industry’s infrastructure. They regulate the flow of fluids and gases, control pressure levels and manage temperatures, playing a crucial role in maintaining the operational integrity of pipelines and processing facilities. Their main functions include the Flow Regulation, ensuring the appropriate amount of fluid flows through the system; the Pressure Control, maintaining safe pressure levels to prevent system failures; the Temperature Management, regulating the temperature of fluids to protect equipment from overheating; the Safety Assurance, acting as safety devices to prevent overpressure and leaks. Given these functions, any malfunction can lead to severe disruptions, safety hazards and environmental damage, underscoring the importance of the reliability and efficiency of process and control valves.

The future of control valves

Several interesting developments lie ahead in the future, especially from the integration of digital technologies such as IoT and AI. These new and important factors will lead to the creation of smart valves capable of self-diagnosis, predictive maintenance and real-time performance monitoring, enhancing reliability and efficiency. Moreover, the utilization of new materials offering greater resistance to erosion, corrosion and high temperatures will extend the lifespan and the reliability of control valves, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.