Conventions

Apr. 24-26, 2012. Techtextil North America is the continent’s only dedicated show for technical textiles and nonwovens, including fibers, yarns, knitted fabrics, canvas, laid webs…. Or so we were told.  The show assembled all vertical aspects of the technical textile industry, from research and development, through raw materials and production processes and finally ending in conversion, further treatment and recycling.  The Techtextil North America Symposium offered dozens of sessions focusing on the latest in research and emerging technology.  On show were new products, new technology, ground-breaking materials and advancements, with exhibitors from around the world showcasing their latest innovations.  Just arrived?  Well, you’d better “get weaving”…..

Apr. 14-16, 2012. The PG in NPGA stands for Propane Gas, and visitors to this show apparently came to “honor the past, succeed in the present, and embark on the future”…, probably in that order.  The Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo is the largest tradeshow in North America featuring propane-related equipment, supplies, products and services. In 2012, the propane industry has been celebrating its centennial anniversary, and the National Propane Gas Association commemorated this major milestone with a number of events, including a Clean Air Rally, a Centennial Reception, a visit to the Propane Centennial Museum, and of course the Centennial Celebration Raffle… all of which made this gathering quite a gas.  Hey, did you know that Washington’s troops at Valley Forge survived thanks to Propane Gas?  Actually we just made that up.

Mar. 20-22, 2012. PRC stands for Plastics Recycling Conference, and its show and expo aimed to set a platform for industry bodies like the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, AMERIPEN and PAC NEXT to discuss their products and plans, similarities and differences between the groups, and what’s going on in the wide world of plastic packaging recycling. PAC NEXT in particular was striving to proactively help the packaging industry transition to a world without waste. With a focus on innovative packaging end-of-life solutions, and a highly collaborative work model, PAC NEXT showed itself ready to exert a substantial impact in the packaging recycling industry.  Delegates included raw material producers, packaging manufacturers, packaging users and fillers, retailers and material recovery organizations.  Go plastic!

Feb. 29 – Mar. 04, 2012. SECO 2012, subtitled The Education Destination, is supposed to be optometry’s most important and compelling annual event. The SECO 2012 program of education, exhibits and events offers optometrists and other ophthalmic professionals the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to remain competitive in today’s challenging optometric field.  New optometrists entering the profession face new opportunities and challenges, particularly when considering the current state of the economy. SECO 2012 education was designed to help graduating ODs prepare for future success. The Student Education Program is produced by SECO International and supported by an educational grant from The Vision Care Institute.

Feb. 21-24, 2012. Welcome, camp counselors! No other job can as easily combine the satisfactions of working with people in an outdoor setting as the camp staff person. The impact of working as a member of a summer camp staff is seldom recognized for the valuable contributions that often arise from the experience.  Working at camp gives you the opportunity “to enrich lives and change the world”.  There were also comprehensive summer camp resources for families—offering expert advice from camp professionals on camp selection, readiness, child and youth development, and issues of importance to families.  It’s about children making new friends, exploring the world around them, and learning that “I can”.  Now, where’s my harmonica?