ICE 2002 Review

The 2002 installment of the International Coatings Exhibition (ICE) has come and gone, but the ramifications for the coatings industry are just beginning. As always, ICE provided a venue for new products, interesting and informative presentations and awards. But the biggest news for the coatings industry came from a vote held by the Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology (FSCT) during its annual meeting. The board of directors of the FSCT has announced that ICE will be held every other year beginning in 2004. In addition, ICE will be held exclusively in Chicago as of 2004. The decision was based on an extensive survey of manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to the every-other-year format, the National Paint and Coatings Association (NPCA) will hold its convention simultaneously in Chicago, beginning in 2004, according to Robert Ziegler, FSCT executive vice president, and ICE Show general manager.

By switching to even years, ICE and the European Coatings Show (ECS) will alternate, which will benefit exhibitors and attendees. "This provides suppliers with a very cost-effective means of covering the industry's major global regions," Mr. Zieg