July 1, 2024 - The first Bluefield Coal Symposium since 2018 is now only a month away.

The Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias announced Monday that participants can now register for the three-day event, which will be held Monday, August 12 through Wednesday, August 14 at the Chuck Mathena Center in Princeton.

Jeff Disibbio, president and chief executive officer of the Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias, said registration for the coal symposium is now underway and will continue throughout the month.

The three-day show is sponsored by the chamber and Coal Zoom. The theme of this year's symposium is "Using U.S. Coal for a Better America."

“We are expecting heavy registration activity during the next four weeks and we urge that all those interested in attending get their registrations completed to avoid being disappointed,” Disibbio said Monday.

Disibbio said the symposium chair, Bill Reid, is bringing together a distinguished group of industrial professionals for next month's event to address current issues facing the coal industry and to examine the challenges and opportunities for coal.

The coal show events will be held in the 930-seat theater at the Chuck Mathena Center. Disibbio said the Chuck Mathena Center will offer state-of-the-art audio and visual capabilities for the next month's coal symposium.

Industry officials confirmed so far to participate in the symposium include four coal operator CEOs, heads of two government agencies, six coal industry leaders and 10 industry experts.

There are three technical sessions planned for this year's symposium, two dinners, one lunch as well as entertainment. The entertainment will include special live performances by Twitty and Lynn: A Salute to Conway & Loretta as well as an appearance of Exile, who will perform some of their hit records.

Disibbio said the symposium has several goals, including to aid in the search for zero accidents; to lift the spirits of those serving the coal industry and to bring everyone together; and to examine the challenges and opportunities for coal.

The complete agenda and printable registration form can be found here.

The Bluefield Coal Symposium isn't to be confused with the Bluefield Coal Coal, which is returning in 2025. The 25th biennial Bluefield Coal and Mining Show will be held September 9th through the 12th, 2025.