Race to the Finish

The word that comes to mind when reviewing SUR/FIN’s 2009 technical conference programming is focused.

It is apparent that event organizers the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) have taken into account the country’s (and therefore its attendees’) economic situation. Planners clearly understand that the show is an investment for the companies exhibiting their technology, an investment for the companies sending representatives to gain new and deeper understanding of the field, and an investment for the industry, bringing the greatest minds in finishing together to problem solve.

That investment is not taken for granted.

Thus, every moment of the conference and tradeshow, to be held June 15–17 in Louisville, KY, is carefully honed, whittled to only the most important topics. Focused.

It is focused on the big picture—presenting information that will allow attendees to see where the industry really stands in this time of uncertainty and what they can do to survive into an eventual recovery.

It is focused on environmental initiatives, new government policies and the latest studies that will keep attendees abreast of compliance issues and best practices

And it is focused on the here and now—actions companies can take today to cut costs, mitigate risk and improve performance.

More than 1,000 visitors viewed hundreds of displays at SUR/FIN 2008 in Indianapolis, and the 2009 edition promises to once again showcase the most advanced technologies and applications in surface finishing. Holding the international show in a central location such as Louisville will bring finishing professionals to the Kentucky International Convention Center for a full agenda of technical presentations.

Headlining the program is will be Ken Mayland, president of Clearview Economics. Mayland will be the keynote speaker for the show’s special session on “Surviving 2009—Economic Outlook & Advice.” The presentation is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 16.

Mayland, whose firm specializes in economic research and forecasting, comes with impressive credentials. He was previously the chief economist of two major financial institutions (First Pennsylvania Bank and KeyCorp) and graduated with degrees in economics from MIT and the University of Pennsylvania (M.A. and Ph.D.). He also spent more than 30 years studying the business cycle and providing economic analyses to a variety of constituencies.

As a member of the BusinessWeek Annual Economic Forecasting Survey panel, Mayland has a stellar track record. He hit the 2002 GDP, unemployment rate, and CPI inflation projections within a tenth of a percent. He was the second-best forecaster in USA Today’s forecasting panel for all of 2003. Additionally, in November 2004 Bloomberg magazine identified Dr. Mayland as the nation’s top forecaster in its mid-2003 to mid-2004 tally of forecasts. For the most recent forecast year (mid-2004 to mid-2005), Bloomberg magazine pegged Mayland as the best forecaster (tied) of the unemployment rate and the fifth-best forecaster of the inflation rate.

For more information on how to attend SUR/FIN 2009, contact Cheryl Clark, director of events, NASF, at 202-457-8404 or via e-mail: CClark@nasf.org. For general information about SUR/FIN 2009, visit www.nasf.org. Attendees can also register online at www.sur-fin.net.

And while you’re at the show don’t forget to stop by Products Finishing’s booth, No. 407.