They came, they asked questions, they exchanged business card. The inaugural Applied Web Handling Conference, sponsored by AIMCAL and held in Charlotte, NC, May 7–10, attracted the big names among consultants, teachers, researchers and suppliers. Also in the audience were converting attendees looking for answers to thorny web-handling questions. More than likely, they left the conference with answers.

Technical presentations ranged from classical theory-based explanations of the physics of web operations, to quick-and-dirty, rule-of-thumb sessions designed to bolster practical day-to-day knowledge, to hands-on introductions of new measurement instruments and techniques for detecting web defects. A tabletop exhibition/reception allowed attendees to mingle.

The overall atmosphere was one of relaxed informality. The majority of attendees knew each other and knew their subjects. Q&A sessions after each presentation were lively exchanges which often featured problems posed from attendees' real-life converting lines or those of consultants' clients, used as instructive case histories. No doubt word-of-mouth will insure an even bigger turnout at the 2008 conference. AIMCAL has structured AWEB to take place in the "even" years around IWEB's (Oklahoma State University's Web Handling Research Center) "odd" year events.

More info: www.aimcal.org