• Do you have proven solutions to the challenges that face the industry regarding surface preparation, the impact of paint and coatings on the environment, coatings failures, small business marketing or financial planning?

• Do you have a new idea that could impact the future of the paint and coatings industry? Want to share a case study that will help advance the paint and coatings industry?

• Have a fresh perspective about current and future trends that are certain to affect our industry?

Now is the time to share your insights and expertise! Submit a proposal to participate as a speaker at PACE 2008 in Los Angeles, January 27-30, 2008, and expose your innovative ideas to over 3,000 industry professionals.

Called “The Power of Paint and Coatings,” the 2008 Paint and Coatings EXPO will give participants the power to tackle the issues they face every day.

We’re looking for original ideas that will challenge traditional standards and established practices. Submit presentations that focus on engaging and motivating people through unique methods of learning. Tell us how your presentation will help learners impact their organization and their career.

Education Sessions

PACE 2008 is being developed by and for every kind of paint and coatings professional. The unique diversity of participants at PACE allows us to build an incredibly varied, yet truly comprehensive program.

This year, we're putting the "T" back in Technical and the "B" back in Business. The 2008 PACE Education Program Advisory Committee is seeking proposals from introductory through advanced levels on all topics related to:

Technical Sessions

• Coating application methods
• Coating failures
• Coating inspection equipment
• Coating types and characteristics
• Concrete surfacing
• Construction management
• Corrosion
• Environmental health and safety
• Industry standards
• Laboratory testing methods
• Marine coatings
• Metallizing and Galvanizing
• Painting bridges, tanks and other structures
• Polyurea coatings
• Professional certifications
• Project case histories (MajorProject Presentations)
• Quality Control and QualityAssurance
• Salts
• Surface Preparation

Special Emphasis Areas for 2008

• Bridges
• Concrete Surfaces
• Flooring
• Shallow Draft Marine
• Architectural Coatings
• Powder Coatings

Business Sessions

• Finance
• Risk Management
• Accounting
• Management
• Sales /Marketing
• Human Resources
• Products / Equipment
• Production
• Environmental Concerns
• Know Your Demographics – Cultural & Beyond
• Strategic Planning
• Professional Development
• Business Development
• Best Practices
• Commercial
• Residential

Special Emphasis Areas for 2008

• Decorative and Faux Finishing
• Use of Standards
• Sales Techniques
• Use of Technology
• Marketing
• Legal Issues

Selection Notification and Speaker Responsibilities

• If your abstract is accepted, you must submit a formal written paper (5-10 page minimum) for inclusion in the conference proceedings.
• Each presenter is required to register for the conference. Speakers will receive a complimentary registration for the day they speak. A full conference discount will also be available. (Speakers will not be paid. All travel and additional expenses are the responsibility of the speaker.) Speakers are expected to pay their own travel, lodging and per diem expenses.
• If your abstract is selected, you will be notified by July 15, 2007.
• If your abstract is accepted, your paper will be evaluated by the PACE Educational Program Advisory Committee (EPAC).
• Presenters are encouraged to use powerpoint technology to enhance their presentations. No other audiovisual requirements will be permitted.
• Powerpoint presentations must be submitted to PACE management at a specified deadline date in order to preload presentations to avoid on-site slow downs.
• Speakers not meeting key deadlines may be removed from the program.

Selection Criteria

All abstracts are peer reviewed by the Education Program Advisory Committee (EPAC) which is comprised of members of PDCA and SSPC. Each abstract is evaluated in four key areas:

• Originality
• Quality of the abstract (clearly defines outcomes, flows smoothly)
  
• Relevance/significance to the industry
  
• Objectives
  
• Technical Accuracy

Please note that if your paper gives the appearance of a sales presentation, it will be declined.