It’s later in the year, but it’s that time again for the annual Pittsburgh ISA show.  This year we need to give an extra thank you to all the section officers and committee members.  As in the past many tasks for this years show had to be accomplished to make this years show possible.  We know that with the new look and feel to the show, it will be a continued success.  As in the past the Show Directory is distributed to everyone in attendance.  The CD contains all of the helpful information from the past and the ever popular show directory with contact information as well as links to many various manufacturer’s web sites and advertisements.

         This year’s show has decreased in size with the current economical times, but will still have an intimate feel to it with 71 booths and still a continually growing attendance ratio.  We are again in a hall at Heinz Field with the continued new layout, look and feel.   This newer facility has all the modern amenities needed for a trade show in today’s world as well as being the home of Super Bowl XL champions.  Also, we are offering a total of nine mini clinics with professional development hour certificates available for attendees.  We are also offering full tours of the stadium this year. 

I would also like to thank all of the exhibitors and volunteers for their time and participation.  This year we have many returning exhibitors as well as first time exhibitors and some that have not been in attendance for a few years.  The exhibitors put in a lot of time to help make this show work for everyone.  I would also like to thank all of the promoters of this show; we have had many supporters and hope that you would give either me or any other ISA board member any feedback you may have. 

Students have always been a voiced opinion from the floor, both positive and negative.  This year to try to address these concerns we have limited the number of students that can be on the floor at any one time.  And to further help out the students we will be putting on a “student mini show” which we will have details on at a later date if you wish to help out and exhibit.  This will allow the vendors who wish to participate to educate the students on their products and services and to get the information and experience that they look for at our show.  We need to remember that these students are our future customers and employees, they are our future.

 I along with the rest of the Pittsburgh ISA section and exhibitors would like to thank all of the attendees for your support as well.  We could work all year on this show and if we did not have you it would not be a success.  We appreciate your taking the time to come down to the North Side to spend the day with us and make our show a success.  We welcome any suggestions you may have to help continue the success of the show.            

Brian Smith, 2006 Show Chairman

bsmith@processengineering.com