An Idea Whose Time Has Come - Part II

Well the response has been very positive to Nick Russo's Letter to the Editor, "Plastics Industry Trade Show: An Idea Whose Time Has Come". We have heard from a variety of manufacturers, suppliers and potential trade show attendees and virtually all have responded favorably to the concept of a "...trade show in which all manufacturers associated with our industry can display their products. Plastic distributors, fabricators, formers, suppliers of machinery, tooling, hardware and accessories...".

We have even received a very interesting response/opportunity from The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI). Following are excerpts from a letter from Jordan L. Morgenstern, SPI Vice President, Trade Shows, he wrote, "Here at the Trade Show Department of The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) we read with interest your editorial and its excerpt from Nick Russo's letter calling for a trade show for plastics distributors and fabricators. 'We are one of the few industries in this country that does not have a trade show open to all,' he said."

Mr. Morgenstern went on to write, "SPI suggests a partnership between your (our) sector of the plastics industry and NPE 2003 to develop a 'show-within-a-show' specifically for distributors and fabricators and their suppliers. It could take the form of a 'Dist/Fab' pavilion that could accommodate your (our) biggest supplier companies but also provide an economical option for small companies to exhibit. The number of exhibitors specializing in the distribution and fabrication sector of the plastics industry would be even greater than at NPEs past and would provide a focus for distributor and fabricator attendees-in effect, their own show."

He concluded by writing, "It's a potential win/win partnership. More extensive participation by your (our) industry would mean more exhibitors and attendees for NPE 2003, giving SPI ample cause to help promote a Dist/Fab pavilion and look for tie-ins, such as a relevant session in the NPE 2003 Conference. In turn, a show-within-a-show would save your industry from the investment and risks of mounting an entirely separate exposition."

"In short, we think Mr. Russo had a good idea, one that could become reality at NPE 2003. We would welcome your thoughts on a possible cooperative venture."

And that is exactly what we want - your thoughts on this opportunity. To further develop the prospect of a plastic shapes industry trade show and a "Dist/Fab Pavilion" at NPE 2003, we are pleased to announce that Mr. Russo has accepted a position on our Board of Directors. He will work with the magazine, the SPI and leading suppliers serving our industry to determine the feasibility and logistics for this cooperative venture. Your feedback is welcomed via phone, fax or e-mail to tradeshow@plasticsmag.com.

This issue brings you our 2002 Buyer's Guide. Featuring our advertisers over the past year. The keyword searchable guide includes an alphabetical company listing by category and a detailed description of the products and services these leading manufacturers offer the plastic shapes industry. Several are exhibiting IWF 2002 this August 22-25 in Atlanta, GA.

Also inside this issue are features on the new MegaSheet manufactured by Röchling Engineered Plastics and a a Material Yield System developed by the Syspro Group with the help of Tri-Star Plastics.

I welcome your feedback. Whether it is regarding an industry trade show or future articles and information you would like us to consider for publication, please contact me at 708-447-0001 or via e-mail at dwhelan@plasticsmag.com. Your continued input helps us provide the most targeted magazine for our industry - and potentially a trade show targeted to its unique products and processes. Enjoy the issue.

David Whelan
Editor / Publisher