This month reminds me of Roy Scheider's oft repeated line, "It's Showtime, Folks," as he played Joe Gideon, the thinly veiled Bob Fosse character in the 1979 movie "All That Jazz." Two essential international conferences are taking place this month. SUR/FIN 2006 descends upon Milwaukee from September 18-21. Concurrently, POWDER COATING 2006 is being held in Indianapolis.

The SUR/FIN show is especially important with the new regulations facing the plating industry today (see our August issue, "Hexavalent Chromium: How is it Affecting You?" online at www.finishingtodaymag.com). Not only has the U.S. enacted new permissible exposure limits (PELs) on chromium +6 exposure to workers, but the European Union has also foisted new strictures upon the finishing industry with the Restriction of use Of Hazardous Substances (ROHS) directives, which include significant reductions in the use of hexavalent chromium. The technical discourse at SUR/FIN promises to be lively and informative for everyone involved in the metal finishing industry. Experts will be on hand to present the latest technical options to meet these new laws, and industry authorities will also deliberate the impact the laws will have on your day-to-day operations.

The powder show in Indianapolis looks to be somewhat more engaging than previous exhibitions. More powder companies will be exhibiting than in years past. I have recently had conversations with some of the individuals who will be manning booths, and they've promised to debut new technology to meet the evolving needs of the finishing industry. I can't wait to hear their stories. While you're at the show, be sure to stop by booth 511 to say hello to the Finishing Today team.

Speaking of "Jazz," some of my fondest memories of Indy shows are the afterhours frivolities experienced at Indiana's oldest bar, The Slippery Noodle. This is the place where all diehard powder veterans assemble after a long day on the convention floor. Many an urban powder legend has been born during the wee hours propping up the bar at the "Noodle."

I talked about Finishing Today's naissance in our inaugural issue last month. Well, we haven't been standing still. Our e-newsletter, Finishing eFlash, was unveiled last month. This is the place to catch up-to-the-minute news on all things related to the finishing industry. If you're not yet receiving Finishing eFlash, please email me at editor@finishingtodaymag.com, and I'll get you on the circulation list. Additionally, our website has been revamped and will continue to grow and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of you, our esteemed readers. Be sure to add www.finishingtodaymag.com to your favorites list and visit it often to see all of the latest updates.

Please enjoy the shows, whichever ones you choose to attend. I'll be reporting on all the great stuff in our next issues.

All that work. All that glitter. All that pain. All that love. All that crazy rhythm. All that jazz. (Joe Gideon of "All That Jazz.")

See you at the show.