Destination Nurnberg ... and elsewhere.

Welcome to one of the most well-traveled issues of Coatings World. This issue, and our staff too, will be whisked off to several cities this month, the first of which is Nurnberg, for the European Coatings Show. ECS has truly become the paint industry's top show, boasting an amazing and foot-aching spread of some 650 exhibitors across five halls. We have been exhibiting at and covering this event since 1997. We are there because our readers are there, in the conference hall, walking the show floor, and manning their stands. (Make sure to come see us at stand 4-609.)

Likewise, you will find Coatings World's April issue in Singapore at the the Asia-Pacific Coatings Show, and as cosponsors of "Innovation in Color Technology," CPMA's pigments conference this month, Coatings World will also be in Baltimore, MD.

While we are globe-trotting this month, we are covering a lot of territory editorially-speaking too. Inside this issue are articles on a range of topics from new developments in radiation-cured coatings (page 30) to resins (page 45), to lab equipment (page 53) to Europe's titanium dioxide market (page 56), just to name a few.

We strive to make sure our editorial content mirrors the industry, and our April issue is a prime example. Chemists, purchasing managers and brand strategists will read the articles that matter most to them. But here's what makes Coatings World unique: chemists will read our color trends article (page 54) and the opinion piece written by PPG's Richard Beuke (page 49), while a brand manager will read about issues in the resins market and a senior executive will leaf through the technical paper on a new basecoat/clearcoat UV coating for plastics written by Red Spot (page 24).

It's become essential for all staff members to stay abreast of trends and issues in the paint market, even those they think may not affect their job. It's important to understand what's happening down the hall from your lab or office. All employees are stakeholders and have a role in the success--or failure--of your brand, business or entire company.