It was this time last year that I wrote an editorial column for our sister publication, Paint and Coatings Industry. I had just returned from the Coatings 2005 show and felt more than a little disillusioned by the comatose energy pervasive there. I had recalled my early days in powder when the annual show was much anticipated and never let you down. We would always leave energized as we carried back a pocketful of new projects combined with endless possibilities for new business.
I approached the Powder Coating 2006 show with cautious anticipation. Ever the optimist, I was hoping to be pleasantly surprised with a few new twists on this maturing technology. I'm very pleased to report that this year's event did satiate my thirst for innovation. There seemed to be much more energy and optimism this year. And to tell you the truth, this new energy came from a number of different directions. Much of it emanated from smaller companies.