ICE 2004 attracts over 6500 to Chicago as industry responds to ongoing challenges.

Signaling the renewed strength of an industry rising to meet continuing economic and regulatory challenges, ICE 2004 welcomed 6596 registrants--the highest number in the past three years--to McCormick Place North, in Chicago, IL, on October 27-29. Visitors from 54 countries came looking for answers to their coatings needs and, from the number of suppliers demonstrating green chemistries, low- to zero-VOC products, and nanotechnology applications, it was evident that a wide array of innovative solutions are available. Showcased were the products and services of over 326 suppliers, in more than 67,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space. Focusing on the theme of "Challenge--Change--Opportunity," ICE 2004, sponsored by FSCT, also served as a valuable source for continuing education and professional development programs, as important industry concepts were explored in 15 conference courses and over 80 FSCT Annual Meeting technical papers.

The International Coatings Expo opened on Wednesday morning 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 energy generated from ICE was evident on Wednesday afternoon as the 2004 Block Party opened on the show floor. Entertained by the sounds of the Beach Boys tribute band, Still Surfin', visitors sampled some of Chicago's favorite foods and networked with industry colleagues. The excitement and energy of ICE 2004 continued on Thursday and Friday as attendees took the opportunity to learn about the newest developments in product technology at Exhibitor Spotlight sessions, the popular Poster Sessions, and by visiting the wide variety of exhibits.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Prior to the opening of the Expo, 470 participants attended the International Coatings Technology Conference, organized by the FSCT Professional Development Committee. Featuring a variety of two-day; one-day, and half-day programs, the Conference offered programs on topics such as paint formulation, nanotechnology, waterborne coatings technology, maintenance coatings, and high throughput methodology.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Additional opportunities for learning about critical areas of coatings technology were offered at the Annual Meeting Technical Program, developed by the FSCT Annual Meeting Program Committee. On Wednesday morning, the FSCT Opening Session audience was galvanized by the powerful Mattiello Memorial Lecture, "Challenge 2005 and Beyond: Recognition, Transformation, and Profitable Use of Innovative Thinking," by George R. Pilcher, of Akzo Nobel Coatings Inc. The high quality of presentations continued with the Technical Focus Lecture, "Radical Change in Research and Development: The Shift from Conventional Methods to High Throughput Methods," by Dr. Dean C. Webster, of North Dakota State University. Through these presentations, and the full program of Annual Meeting papers, attendees had access to state-of-the-art technical work in the industry.

Sincere thanks go to the Committees, local Society members, and individuals who volunteered their time and effort to ensure the success of ICE 2004. FSCT gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Block Party Sponsors--King Industries, Degussa Corporation, and Clariant Corporation; as well as Event Sponsors--Air Products & Chemicals, Akzo Nobel Resins, BASF, BiODE Inc., Buckman Laboratories, CCP, Dow Corning Corp., DuPont, Eastman Chemical Corporation, Elementis Specialties, Paul N. Gardner Company, Reichhold, and Troy Corporation.

Of course, as ICE drew to a close, the focus was on the future, as ICE now begins its biennial year schedule. In the interim, the FSCT is planning three exciting programs for 2005 under its new Advancements in Coatings Series: "Research Methods in the 21st Century: A Toolkit for Competitive Advantage,"--May 18-20, in New Orleans, LA; "Nanotechnology in Coatings: Realizing the Potential"--June 8-10, in Seattle, WA; and "Coating Wood and Wood Composites: The Changing Future"--September 25-27, in Charlotte, NC. Also in 2005, the FSCT will hold its 83rd Annual Meeting with the Western Coatings Societies Symposium and Show, in Las Vegas, NV, on November 6-9, 2005. All of these programs will feature technical programming and tabletop exhibits.

Planning is also underway for ICE 2006, to be held at the McCormick Place North, Chicago, IL., on September 27-29, 2006. Check the FSCT website at www.coatingstech.org for information on these events.