Measurement & Testing of Coatings
2-day International Conference & Mini-Exhibition

Conference Details

12-13 May 2009, Birmingham, UK

Scope of the Conference

This two-day event will cover the latest innovations in measurement and testing for the coatings industry. As well as papers from industry and academia, there will be a mini-exhibition showcasing the latest measuring and testing equipment. Scientific measurement of coatings properties is the basis of coatings science and technology. Without reliable and relevant measurements, the coatings technologist is unable to develop products with confidence to meet the needs of the market.

Purpose of the Conference

The purpose of the conference is to re-emphasise the critical importance of using well validated testing methodologies, examine areas of difficulty in testing coatings and highlight new approaches to coatings testing. The conference provides an ideal opportunity for suppliers and users of testing equipment to discuss problems and solutions in a creative atmosphere, with the ever topical objective of reproducing in the laboratory effects observed in the real world.

Who Should Attend

The conference is important for technical and managerial staff who are involved in the testing, research, production and marketing of raw materials, coatings and the finished product. It is also important for manufacturers of measurement and testing equipment, not only to display their latest equipment, but also to meet their customers and obtain their feedback.

Exhibitors

A room will be available where companies can mount a table top display. For equipment manufacturers it is an ideal opportunity to display their latest models or for companies to display their literature. Space can be reserved on-line or by contacting Janet Saraty.

Posters

Researchers from Universities/Institutes and industry are invited to submit poster presentations on topics relevant to the theme of the Conference. The approximate size of the poster board is 2m high and 3m wide. The deadline for the title submission is 17 April 2009.

Conference Papers

A full set of papers presented at the confrence will be available for sale after the event. Price £180 (PRA members £130).

Dates and Times

Tuesday 12 May 2009
09.30 - 10.20: Registration and coffee
10.20 - 10.30: Opening Remarks
10.30 - 13.00: Session 1
13.00 - 14.30: Lunch
14.30 - 17.00: Session 2

19.00: Reception
19.30: Conference dinner

Wednesday 13 May 2009
09.00 - 12.30: Session 3
12.30 - 13.30: Lunch
13.30 - 15.00: Session 4
15.00: End of Conference - Coffee/Tea will be available for delegates.

Venue

The conference is being held at:
Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre
Smallbrook Queensway
Birmingham
B5 4EW

The hotel is located in the city centre and is less than 5 minutes' walk from Birmingham New Street Station from where there is a direct train link to Birmingham International Airport. It is easily reached by car from the M6 motorway and there is parking directly behind the hotel.

The hotel is situated close to Birmingham's famous Bull Ring Shopping centre, its Museum & Art Gallery and its Canal Network.

Birmingham is within easy reach of Stratford-Upon-Avon, famous as the birthplace of Shakespeare, as well as Warwick where the famous mediaeval castle can be visited.

More information about Birmingham and nearby attractions can be seen on the websites:

http://www.visitbirmingham.co.uk

http://www.visitstratforduponavon.co.uk

http://wwwwarwick-uk.co.uk

.

Conference Dinner

The reception and conference dinner will be held in the award winning Shimla Pinks Indian Restaurant. The cost of the reception and conference dinner is included in the registration fee but places will only be reserved for delegates who confirm in advance that they wish to attend.

Accommodation

Delegates are responsible for booking their own accommodation. Special rates have been agreed with the Holiday Inn Hotel for the nights of the 11, 12 & 13 May 2009 as follows:-

Room - single occupancy: £93 per night including breakfast and VAT.
Room - double occupancy: £103 per night including breakfast and VAT.

A limited number of rooms are being held so early booking is advised. These rates will only apply up to 6 weeks before the conference starts after which bookings can only be made subject to availability and at the prevailing rate.

To book, please contact Ruth Taylor, the hotel assistant conference manager, and refer to the PRA conference:-

Tel: 0044 (0)121 634 6272
Fax: 0044 (0)121 634 1049
e-mail: ruth.taylor@ihg.com

Registration Fees (including VAT)

  Before
30 March 2009		 After
30 March 2009
Standard Fee £680 £750
PRA Member Companies £595 £653
Academic Fee* £395 £445
Conference Speakers £270 £300
Academic Speakers £180 £200
Sales Delegates (for equipment exhibitors only) £350 £400
Student Fee** £145 £175
Table Top Display (literature only) £200 £250
Equipment Display £800 £850
Conference Papers (Book Format) £50 £50
Posters - appropriate fee plus £65 £65

*Applies to full-time University staff only

**Applies to full-time University students only

Fees include:-

- Conference Papers in CD-ROM format*
- Lunch, coffee and tea on 12 and 13 May 2009
- List of delegates and participating companies
- List of Abstracts
- Conference dinner on the 12 May 2009**
- VAT at 15%

*All delegates will receive a CD-ROM containing the conference papers. However we are also offering delegates the opportunity to purchase the conference papers in book format at the special conference price of £50. This rate only applies to delegates who order and pay in advance of the conference.

**The cost of the dinner is included in the price but places will only be reserved for delegates who confirm their attendance in advance.

Travel & Visa Arrangements

Please make your own travel arrangements. Please contact the British Embassy/Consulate in your own country if you require a visa. PRA can supply a letter confirming registration, only to delegates who have made full payment.

Cancellation/Substitutions

No refund will be made for cancellations received after the 13 April 2009. Refunds are subject to an £80 administration fee. Substitutions may be made at any time.