You may recall the Publishers Letter I wrote last year, which informed you that Industrial Paint & Powder was introducing a new way to do business in the coatings industry (March 2005, page 4). I have always believed it is the responsibility of the industry-leading magazine to help create the marketplace serving its readers' best interests.

Following this philosophy, our first Paint&PowderXchange (PPX) event was a resounding success. I encourage you to read the letter from your peers (on the page opposite this one), which supports this model of improving the way you do business. Our inaugural PPX event changed the way industry leaders are going to do business in the future. I encourage you to visit our Web site at www.PaintandPowderXchange.com, and click on the video link to see and hear manufacturers and vendors sharing their experiences and perception of this new business model.

As we begin to evaluate manufacturers like you for participation in our 2006 PPX event, ask yourselves the following: Are you seeking solutions for an existing paint or powder coating issue? Are you planning to install a new paint or powder coating system? If you answered yes to either question, then PPX may be for you. It is a revolutionary face-to-face opportunity for you to evaluate specific paint and powder coating equipment, coatings, and related products with leading industry vendors whose solutions can fulfill anticipated capital needs and strategic initiatives.

PPX is designed to foster highly customized and confidential strategic product development discussions between senior executives at companies like yours and a select number of innovative, value-added suppliers whose products can address your specific needs and issues. Unlike any conference or trade show you have ever attended, PPX is all about you. Your individual needs drive the entire agenda.

Our editors will work with you to clearly define your initiatives, identify companies with solutions, and schedule consecutive meetings with their senior teams. There will be no happenstance meetings, no meeting with the wrong person, and no generic presentations. Instead, you will experience three days of concise, efficient, well-prepared meetings. You can manage the solution provider evaluation cycle in an environment where you control the entire process.

PPX 2006 will take place at a comfortable resort in Carefree, Ariz., in mid-November - away from the typical daily distractions of your office. If you have decision-making authority, are responsible for, and have initiatives in any of the following areas, PPX has been designed for you:

  • Coating Materials
  • Paint & Powder Coating Equipment
  • Turnkey Systems
  • Pretreatment Chemicals and Equipment
  • Curing Technologies
  • Test Measurement Equipment
  • Finishing Accessory Products
  • New Technologies
  • Cost Saving Initiatives
There are leaders and followers. It is time to join the leader and call me to learn more about Paint&PowderXchange 2006. To learn more and see if you qualify to attend this unique event, visit www.PaintandPowderXchange.com. And as always, feel free to contact me directly at 630-694-4024 or rydenb@paintandpowder.com with any questions or feedback.

Thank you to all our loyal readers and future leaders.