PORTLAND, ME - Intertech announced plans for two pigment-industry conferences, "TiO2 2005" and "High-Performance and Functional Pigments 2005," scheduled for early next year.

Intertech, based in Portland, ME, said the High-Performance Pigments conference dates have been changed from the original schedule.

Intertech said TiO2 2005, scheduled for March 2-4, 2005, in Cannes, France, will provide a complete picture of the TiO2 market, including information on regional TiO2 consumption rates and how rising prices, industry rationalization and end-user developments are affecting pigment demand in the coatings, ink and other industries.

Intertech said High-Performance and Functional Pigments 2005, scheduled for May 10-12, 2005, in Toronto, will provide a comprehensive overview of technologies and emerging markets for high-performance pigments. The program will include a briefing on market trends by region and sector, and also will address new pigment technologies, international regulatory issues and trends in end-use markets with significant near-term growth potential. Conference organizers said organic high-performance and functional pigments comprise approximately 7% of global organic-pigment production, but account for more than 26% of pigment sales.

Intertech said speaker recruitment is under way for the two conference programs. To submit a topic for consideration or to obtain a conference brochure, contact Scott Stephenson, conference director, phone 207/781.9608, e-mail scotts@intertechusa.com. The Intertech website is located at www.intertechusa.com.