Customized, Energized Start

At the keyed up opening day of COMPOSITES 2010, focused attendees sought specific solutions. They didn’t come to Las Vegas to simply “kick tires.” They’re here to find answers—ideas and solutions they can apply once they return to their facilities.

Composites professionals are finding those answers in droves, as COMPOSITES provides a spark of revitalization to an industry that has taken its licks from the struggling economy. Aisles were packed soon after the show opened at 10 a.m.—attendance is up from last year—and many vendors said they were pleased at the number of decision makers who discussed specific applications and new markets.

Two of those decision makers—Svetlana Melkova, Ph.D., vice president of Tristar Coatings Ltd., and Drew Turner, the firm’s account manager—came to COMPOSITES hoping to gain insight into entering the wind turbine market. Their Brampton, Ontario-based firm formulates and manufactures specialty coatings for the aerospace, industrial and commercial markets. “We expected the show to be full of energy, and it’s been great for us so far,” Turner said. “We believe wind is an emerging market that can bring new growth to our business, so we’re eager to learn more about it from exhibitors here.”

Like hundreds of other attendees, Melkova and Turner embody this year’s show theme, “Discover the Future of Composites Today.” COMPOSITES 2010 isn’t an event that merely stimulates the eye with decorative demonstrations and product samples. It impacts bottom lines, as vendors help attendees solve specific business issues. Many booths feature subject matter experts available to talk one-on-one about new opportunities.

“This is the place to be if you’re a composites company and you need to discover important trends and technologies in the industry,” said Jeffrey L. Cash, corporate director of sales and marketing at North Kingsville, Ohio-based Premix, a formulator and manufacturer of thermoset compounds that also makes thermoset molded parts. He said he was impressed with the show’s injection molding solutions, sealants and other products.

“We’ve already found several new leads,” said Wally Gutzmer, a salesperson with AKSA, which produces carbon fiber under the brand name AKSACA. “The business potential of this show is outstanding.” He said top-quality trade shows generate business, not just buzz, and that he’s encouraged about new revenue opportunities COMPOSITES can generate for his firm.

One reason the annual show is highly regarded by composites professionals is that vendors talk with attendees, not at them—something first-time attendee Jay Dean noticed. He spent the first few hours seeking advanced resin systems. “I’ve checked out about half the show floor, and I’m quite impressed with the experience and products of the exhibitors,” said Dean, president/owner of Next Level Design Inc., West Bend, Wis. “We usually attend the AWEA show (WINDPOWER, held by the American Wind Energy Association), and decided to come here to see what else is out there.”

Said Gutzmer: “This is a powerful, money-making show for attendees and exhibitors. We’re thrilled to be here.”

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at 3:00 pm and is filed under Exhibitor Profiles, General Interest. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.