LAS VEGAS - The Western Coatings Societies’ Symposium and Show was held October 23-26 at the Mirage Resort in Las Vegas. There were over 1000 attendees, 115 exhibitors, 75 technical presentations, student posters and panel discussions. Dr. Robert Fry, DuPont Senior Economist, presented the keynote address on the first day, titled U.S. Economic Outlook. Dr. John Gilbert, Behr VP of R&D, offered a keynote presentation on innovation on the second day. The technical program included sessions on green chemistry, new resin technologies, biocides, environmentally friendly color technologies, additives and new trends in coatings.

At the event, the WCS Samson Alder Award was given to Dr. Dane Robert Jones, Associate Dean and Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California Polytechnic State University, for his outstanding contributions to the chemical industry and the dedication to his students.

The next WCS event will be held in October 2013.