- 03 October 2006 -
My Questions Were Answered at SUR/FIN
By Greg Valero, Publisher

When you think back to last fall, as preparations began for organizing SUR/FIN 2006, expectations were tempered for several reasons. For starters, some industry members questioned whether Milwaukee would be a viable venue. Others questioned the wisdom of holding SUR/FIN every year. And still others wondered whether the Powder Coating show—which overlapped the exhibition and conference dates of SUR/FIN—would siphon attendance.

Well, as the most recent show ad proclaimed, my questions were answered at SUR/FIN 2006. Attendance (excluding exhibitor personnel) was similar to last year. Exhibitors were generally pleased with the turnout and reported steady traffic flow during their two days on the show floor. A strong conference program complemented SUR/FIN and attracted visitors from inside and outside North America. The pre-show negativity surrounding Milwaukee turned out to be a myth: Only 5% of surface finishers contacted by Metal Finishing during an August telemarketing campaign cited location as the reason why they would not attend.

In addition to serving as a launching pad for new products and technologies, SUR/FIN 2006 also provided some drama. The AESF Council of Delegates held two critical meetings that would determine their slate of officers for 2007 and whether AESF would join MFSA and NAMF to form a single trade association under the NASF banner. The latter was a major topic of discussion on the show floor as industry members lobbied AESF officials and delegates to support their respective positions. So much was riding on the outcome, including the future of the show itself.

The drama unfolded on Sept. 21, the day after SUR/FIN ended, when the Council of Delegates voted to ratify the reorganization. The move essentially clears the way for the formation of NASF, whose leadership aims to fill key positions and committee seats by the end of this year. Congratulations to Joelie Zak and Peter Gallerani, who were elected president and vice president of AESF, respectively. Congrats are also in order for John Kinne and Brent Burleson, the new president and vice president of MFSA.

Last but not least, kudos to SFIC and its hard-working staff for putting on show that, quite simply, had it all.

Hopefully you will be able to join your fellow industry members next year in Cleveland to support the premier event for the North American surface finishing industry. I’m confident that all your questions will be answered, too.