The T&M 2005 Conference and Exhibition took place at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre, during the first week of September. Those attending were unanimous in their praise of the event with a large majority indicating that they will attend in the future.
Nearly 250 delegates attended the Conference, with more than 100 coming to view the Exhibition.
Some of the highlights in terms of the papers presented were the following:
* The keynote address by Dr Lynne Webber which addressed the 'Importance of measurements'.
* Significant technical contributions regarding key issues in testing, calibration, traceability and legal metrology.
* Substantial time was made available for those attending to discuss critical questions in uncertainty of measurement, accreditation and laboratory management.
The organisers were pleased to see a large contingent of attendees from a number of SADC member countries who were very excited to be attending, many for the first time. It is hoped that this will become a regular feature of future conferences.
Besides the impressive number and quality of papers (more than 70), a significant feature of the event was the high standard of the exhibition. There were 29 exhibitors with 41 stands and the variety of the products and services ranged from calibration to analytical services. The suppliers who attended commented on the value that they obtained by exhibiting, and a large number have indicated that they will support next year's event.
In addition to the various regular topics that have become a feature of the Conference, such as uncertainty of measurement, traceability and laboratory management, this year's event afforded a number of interest groups the opportunity of presenting papers to their constituencies. This approach was extremely well received, and the food and plant pathology, as well as the legal metrology interest groups, indicated an interest in having similar technical streams at next year's conference. The organisers will once again attempt to grow this approach, since it provides attendees the opportunity of interacting in the general sessions, as well as getting user specific information in streams that are set aside for this purpose.
On a social note, the National Laboratory Association sponsored a successful and well-attended gala dinner, which celebrated the 25th year that this event has taken place. Over 180 attended and celebrated late into the night. A number of awards were announced, including the Best Papers - Technical and Non-Technical, as well as the Best Student and the Best Exhibition Stand.
Of the many comments that were received, the following two best reflect the views of many delegates; '....thank you for a great conference and networking opportunity...' and '...the programme, marketing strategy, choice of venue, exhibitors and generally, the organisation of the NLA T&M Conference is exceptionally good. Please keep up the good work you are doing for the betterment of the African Continent...'
In all, this was a very successful Conference, and the NLA is already looking ahead to the next event in 2006. Further details, as well as a Call for Papers, will be announced before the end of the year.
For more information contact Steve Sidney, NLA, +27 (0)12 349 1500, [email protected]
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