1988 - Moscow, Idaho USA: The Beginning

After carrying out research and development for ten years prior to 1988, a number of colleagues discussed the possibility of getting together for a meeting to discuss the information and knowledge they had generated. These colleagues originated from a number of countries and were all working in the field of inorganic-bonded composites.

Prof. Al Moslemi volunteered to organise such a meeting in a conference format. The conference was held in Moscow, Idaho where the university of Idaho campus is located and was expected to attract only the colleagues and perhaps a small number of other interested parties.

Surprisingly some 165 participants from around the world showed up! With this, the series of IIBCCs began and it was decided to be held once every two years.

1990 - Moscow, Idaho USA: Building the network

The 1990 conference was also held in Moscow, Idaho because the facilities available appeared to be adequate and it was convenient for the organisers. The conference attracted not only the anticipated audience, but generated a request for space for exhibits and posters.

1992 - Spokane, Washington USA: Conference and exhibition become reality

As a consequence of the need for additional space, the conference was moved to a hotel in the city of Spokane, Washington which featured conference facilities and better airport access. This decision proved to be rather successful in attracting the anticipated participants as well as larger and more exhibits. The participants were pleased with the facilities, which offered more space and better facilities.

1994 - Spokane, Washington USA: Increasing industrial participation

The 1994 conference was also held in Spokane, Washington as a result of the positive responses from the participants towards the conference two years earlier. The second Spokane-located conference was supported by a large number of participants and a number of exhibit and poster sessions from a number of university researchers. Industry was also very well represented. The conference had become a meeting place for conducting business and learning about the latest global developments in technology and markets.

1996 - Spokane, Washington USA: Continuously growing

The location of the conference continued to be Spokane, Washington and again participants gathered from many countries. More than 90% of the participants represented industrial organisations and the remaining 10% represented academic and governmental institutions. Again the IIBCC was surrounded by an excellent atmosphere for conducting business and gaining knowledge about the latest developments within technology and markets. Responses from the participants were very positive. Global participation fostered contacts which would otherwise be difficult to establish.

1998 - Sun Valley, Idaho USA: Growing evermore

After three consecutive conferences in Spokane, Washington a new venue was to be found. After mapping the possibilities, it was decided to locate the conference in the beautiful and famous resort of Sun Valley, Idaho. The resort is situated in wonderful natural surroundings with excellent conference facilities and recreation opportunities for the families who sometimes accompany the participants.
Attendance continued to increase with many repeat participants from the previous conferences and a good many new arrivals. The conference also presented an excellent range of speakers and exhibitors. The setting was very refreshing and indeed a pleasure for our participants. As usual, excellent industry participation as well as a good mix of academic and governmental organisations.

2000 - Sun Valley, Idaho USA: Consolidation

Again in 2000, Sun Valley, Idaho hosted the IIBCC. Further improvements were introduced based upon experiences from previous conferences. The conference included excellent speakers and plenty of opportunities for audience interaction. Large North American and international participants attended.

2002 - Sun Valley, Idaho USA: Becoming global by nature

The third time in a row, the conference was held in Sun Valley, Idaho. The conference facilities and the fact that the IIBCC was supported by strong participation encouraged the conference to stay with this venue.

2004 - Vancouver, Canada: Moving frontiers, first time in Canada

In 2004, the conference finally moved out of the US and went international for the first time with regards to venue. After some research, the choice fell upon the city of Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada. Vancouver is world famous for its natural beauty, its wonderful cosmopolitan ambiance as well as the outstanding waterfront convention facilities.
Thus, Vancouver proved to be a great choice. In addition, an array of excellent speakers and exhibits/posters added much to the quality of the conference. A night boat tour for the banquet was very well received and added much fun as well. The heavy industrial and global participation continued.

2006 - Sao Paolo, Brazil

In 2006 the conference moved further from the USA to South America and in association with Universidade Sao Paolo attracted a broader range of participants. This was the opportunity for a first trip to South America for many participants to experience some of the unique culture of Brazil. It was an opportunity as before to listen to a number of excellent speakers and to visit some of the emerging industries in the vibrant economy of Brazil.

2008 - Madrid Spain

For the first time the conference moved to Europe and was held in association with Universidad Complutense Madrid. A highlight of the conference was the Gala Conference dinner held in the Casino de Madrid and for many participants the vibrant night life of Madrid. As previously there was a range of very interesting speakers, presentations and exhibitions of technology and materials. This conference saw the presentation of the first Moslemi Excellence Award recognising outstanding research in inorganic bonded composites.

2010 - Aalborg Denmark

Following the successful Madrid conference, IIBCC moved to Aalborg Denmark. Aalborg is the centre of the cement industry in Denmark and the natural place for a conference on cement based composites. The conference was also an opportunity to experience the culture of one of the oldest port cities in Denmark and the gala conference dinner at the Utzon Centre appropriately designed by Bjorn Utzon the world renowned architect and designer of the Sydney Opera House.

Just prior to the conference, it was learned to the regret of the participants and the conference committee of the passing of Professor Moslemi the founder of the conference. Professor Moslemi was remembered at the conference and the committee intends to continue his pioneering work with the organisation and promotion of conferences in the future.