For many of us, fall is the favorite season of the year. Cooler weather replaces the sweltering days of summer; the trees are beginning to show the brilliance of fall colors; football is in full swing; and the baseball playoffs have begun.

At FPSA it is also the most frenetic season. We are putting the final touches on the Las Vegas show and, at the same time, we are selling the 2008 event. Programming and promotion for the 2008 conference is well underway. We are entering the 4^th quarter of the fiscal year and developing the budget for 2008. You get the picture. You are experiencing similar simultaneous activities. At times we feel like the guy on the Ed Sullivan show trying to balance and twirl numerous plates without any falling to the floor, (younger members of FPSA please ask your parents about Ed Sullivan).

While the pace is indeed daunting, the results we are seeing give us tremendous positive feedback on our efforts. Let's list a few:

• PROCESS EXPO 2007 will be over 100,000 net square feet. A 41% increase over the previous events in Las Vegas.
• Pre-Registration of attendees for PROCESS EXPO and PACK EXPO Las Vegas are at a record clip for both domestic and international visitors.
• The FPSA website has a newly charged and energized search engine for customers to find members' offerings. The new "My Process Expo 365" will be unveiled at the show (come by the FPSA booth to see it.)
• PROCESS EXPO 2008 has already over 140,000 square feet sold! We are already 35% larger than the 2006 event with 13 months to go.

Speaking of PROCESS EXPO 2008…You are going to love the new West Building of McCormick Place, home of our show next year. We visited the hall last month during the All Candy Expo. The West Building is an exceptional facility and is tied in nicely to the South and North Halls. Visitors and exhibitors will see a marked improvement in food service areas both in the exhibit hall and in the public areas outside. We are excited about delivering an exceptional experience for you and your customers next year.

We look forward to seeing most of you in Las Vegas soon. Please take a few minutes and stop by the FPSA booth on the show floor.  

George Melnykovich

President and COO

Steve Schlegel

President and CEO