Q4 2009 / Gulf Coast Conference boasts 10 percent increase

The attendance figure followed the trend we noted at both the Pittsburgh Conference and Semicon West shows.

While the number of exhibit personnel and exhibitor space was indeed lower than last year, the total attendance was actually higher. As an attendee, this means that while exhibiting companies seem reluctant to attend to shows and promote their products, more actual product users want to see their products, they want to hear their presentations on new techniques, and they also want to have face-to-face meetings with the suppliers.

Both categories of attendees were higher than last year – those that paid to listen to the presentations (conferees) and those that came to see the exhibitions. Both categories increased over 20 percent. In fact, those that merely came to see exhibits increased over 10 percent.

Again, to us, this seems to indicate that users still find trade shows a valuable endeavor. At the same time, producers of equipment and services may be watching their expenses – perhaps a bit too closely at the present and are missing out on opportunities to sell! Not an advisable strategy for the long run in our opinion.

As to the show itself, we feel that it again met the conferences Mission Statement: “The Gulf Coast Conference is a non-profit organization orientated toward the education and advance of knowledge of Chemical Analysis Technology associated with the Petrochemical, Refining, Environmental, and Industrial Hygiene fields and professions.”

Attendees were able to sit in on over 80 presentations and poster sessions. Among the papers presented were several of special interest created by Alpha Omega and Airgas.

Included in the over 100 booths attendees could find companies such as Airgas, Alpha Omega, Analytical Flow Products, Applied Gas Inc., Cosa Instrument, GE Analytical, ISGAS, GT Instruments, Matheson-Trigas, Peak Scientific, Pittcon, Proton Energy Systems, VICI Valco, and of course, The Specialty Gas Report.

In addition, Dow Chemical presented a seminar on Two-Dimensional GCs, and the New Product Showcase allowed for close contact with a number of vendors to illustrate their new items in a separate area of the convention center. Two companies, Chemplex Industries www.chemplex.com, and Analytical Services Inc. www.analyticalservicesinc.com both sponsored a luncheon in the center area of the exhibit hall that was open to all attendees and exhibitors.

It is our understanding that this opportunity will be repeated next year for both days of the conference. You might want to consider attending if for no other reason than to enjoy the food ? which was outstanding. A golf tournament was also held the day before the conference started offering plenty of opportunities for making valuable contacts.

Look for updated information on the conference on their website at:

www.gulfcoastconference.com