ICE 2003 welcomes over 6200 to Philadelphia as suppliers and attendees gather for major industry event.

With winds more typical of Chicago, ICE 2003 blew into the impressive Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA, on November 12-14. However the ICE 2003 show opening was pure Philadelphia as the brightly costumed Mummers-style string band welcomed 6237 registrants to the internationally recognized exposition. Celebrating the "Spirit of Innovation," ICE brought together industry colleagues from more than 60 countries. Some came to learn about the latest innovations from the 279 suppliers that filled nearly 48,000 net sq ft of exhibit space. Others came to better understand important industry concepts, presented in 14 conference courses and nearly 50 Annual Meeting technical papers.

The International Coatings Expo opened on Wednesday afternoon to larger-than-expected crowds. Responses from attendees and suppliers were extremely positive, as many expressed optimism that the level of activity on the show floor was a sign of better times ahead for the industry. The Expo kicked into high gear on Wednesday evening as the Philly Block Party opened on the show floor. Attendees were introduced to such Philly favorites as cheesesteaks, hoagies, cannolis, and water ice. And--in truly an ICE first--attendees danced in the aisles to the music of the 1960s girls band--the Shangri-Las. The excitement and energy of ICE 2003 continued on Thursday and Friday as attendees took the opportunity to learn about the newest developments in product technology at Exhibitor Spotlight sessions, popular poster sessions, and by visiting the wide variety of exhibits, including 53 first-time exhibitors.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Before the Expo, a record-setting 542 participants attended the International Coatings Technology Conference, organized by the FSCT Professional Development Committee. The attendance far exceeded the previous high of 488, established in Chicago in 1996. Featuring a variety of two-day, one-day and half-day programs, the Conference offered programs on such cuttingedge topics as nanotechnology and combinatorial chemistry, as well as fundamentals on polymer chemistry and principles of paint formulation.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Additional opportunities for learning about critical areas of coatings technology were offered at the Annual Meeting Program, developed by the FSCT Annual Meeting Program Committee. Highlights included the Mattiello Memorial Lecture, "A Holistic Perspective of Coatings Technology," presented by Dr. Charles R. Hegedus, of Air Products & Chemicals, and the Technical Focus Lecture on "Technical Challenges for the Ti[O.sub.2] Industry," by Dr. Michael P. Diebold, of E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Inc. Through these presentations, and the full program of Annual Meeting papers presented in themed sessions, attendees had access to state-of-the-art technical work in the industry.

Throughout all of the ICE 2003 events the word most frequently heard was "Quality." Attendees were impressed with the high level of information provided by the technical personnel at the exhibits, and suppliers expressed satisfaction that ICE attracted a diverse audience that was truly interested in their products. ICE 2003 also received high grades for the quality of its technical presentations--considered by some as the strongest technical venue in the U.S.

Sincere thanks go to the Committees, local Society members, and individuals who volunteered their time and effort to ensure the success of ICE 2003. FSCT gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Block Party Sponsors, DuPont and King Industries, as well as Event Sponsors--Air Products & Chemicals, BASF, CPS Color, Elementis Specialties, Paul N. Gardner, and Reichhold--who helped all to celebrate the Spirit of Innovation.

Planning is now underway for ICE 2004, to be held at McCormick Place North, Chicago, IL, on October 27-29, 2004. The theme of the event is "Challenge--Change--Opportunity." Check the FSCT website at www.coatingstech.org for information.