AIMCAL - Fall Conference

Fulfilling AIMCAL’s goal of providing continuing education to the Industry, the AIMCAL Fall Technical Conference 2006 offers a global technical forum for the web coating industry. The conference is a must for any individual involved with web coating. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and exchange ideas that will enhance your technical and marketing base of knowledge. The Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada will host this year's AIMCAL Fall Technical Conference and 20th International Vacuum Web Coating Conference.

Expanded sessions covering the full spectrum of web coating and vacuum web coating.
High interest topics new research and innovation, materials, web handling, barrier technology, control and measurement, regulatory updates, safety, market updates and more.
Informal TableTop Receptions featuring top suppliers and converters in the Industry.
Outstanding industry social and networking opportunities. Designated meals and receptions included in conference registration fee: Reception Sunday Night and Monday Night, Lunch on Monday and Wednesday, Continental Breakfast on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Opportunities to speak with some of the top technical professionals in the Industry to discuss particular areas of interest.
NEW This Year! Sunday night Keynote address - see below for details!

General Conference Information

Attire: All attire is business casual. Ties are not required, or expected.

Registration: The conference is open to both members and non-members of AIMCAL. TableTop exhibits are available to AIMCAL members only. The registration desk will be open on Sunday, October 22 from 12:00PM to 7:00PM and will open again on Monday morning at 7:00AM. Your conference registration includes access to all conference functions including all sessions, receptions, and designated meals. Spouse fees cover all designated meals, and receptions, but does not include attendance at any conference sessions. Registration is required to participate in any aspect of the conference.

Click here to read about the policy regarding spouses and children at the conference.

Hotel Reservations: Hotel reservations are to be made directly with the Peppermill Resort. Make sure that you reference the AIMCAL meeting in order to receive the negotiated rate of $69 per night (tax not included). Rooms are limited so we suggest that you make your reservations early.

Proceedings: Extended Abstracts, Papers and Presentations will be published prior to the conference and distributed at registration.

Conference Overview (see Agenda for session details)

Sunday, October 22	12:00pm-7:00pm - Conference Registration 6:00pm-7:00pm - Keynote Address (see below) 1:00pm-3:00pm - CEMA Board and Committee Meetings 3:00pm-5:00pm - AIMCAL Board and Committee Meetings 7:00pm-8:30pm - Welcome Reception & Tabletop Exhibits
Monday, October 23	7:00am - Conference Registration Opens 8:00am-5:00pm - Conference Sessions 1 & 2 6:00pm-7:30pm - TableTop Exhibition & Reception
Tuesday, October 24	8:00am-12:00noon - Conference Session 3 1:00pm-5:30pm - Networking Event: Tahoe Cruise
Wednesday, October 25	8:00am-5:00pm - Conference Sessions 4 & 5

Moth-eyes, Lotus leaves, Sharkskin and Gecko feet
- functional surfaces inspired by nature, made on a coating machine.

Professor Steve Abbott, MacDermid Autotype Ltd.
Nature has provided us with some dramatic examples of how a surface which combines specific textures with specific chemical/polymer functionality can deliver smart effects. Moths couldn't invent multi-layer sputtering so they invented nano-textures that provide anti-reflection capability for their eyes. The Lotus leaf needs to stay clean in dirty water so it invented super-hydrophobic surfaces that combine high aspect-ratio structures with hydrophobic materials. The skin of a shark has a micro-texture that seems to reduce hydrodynamic drag. And the Gecko can walk up walls thanks to a flexible nano surface.

Making lab samples of all these effects is of academic interest. But the real challenge is to make these surfaces for real-world applications by efficient coating techniques.

The talk describes the functionality required for each of these effects, explores a number of potential manufacturing routes and gives a specific example of how one of these products is made in substantial volumes today.

The Peppermill Resort is located in the center of Reno's newest shopping, entertainment and restaurant district. Reno is in the heart of one of the richest and most breathtaking recreation areas in the country, and just a short drive from some of the world's most spectacular mountains and beautiful, pristine Lake Tahoe. You'll find a myriad of outdoor activities and indoor diversions that will keep everyone satisfied.

For more information about hotel, see the resort website.

The Peppermill features a free, easy and convenient airport shuttle which departs from the valet area outside the Hotel Lobby, and runs every half-hour beginning at 4 am. The last shuttle departs from the Peppermill going to the airport at 11:30 pm.

In addition, the airport shuttle departs from the airport going to the Peppermill every half-hour beginning at 4:15 am, and continuing to 11:45 pm. This shuttle picks-up at the North exit of the Baggage Claim area.