6th International Woodcoatings Congress
"Preserve, Protect, Prolong"

2 Day Congress
Mercure Hotel Amsterdam Aan de Amstel, The Netherlands
14-15 October 2008

Contents

Wood is an ideal "sustainable" material, due to its unique mechanical and aesthetic properties. However, being a natural material, it is not consistent in its properties, which places high demands on the treatment and coating systems designed to enhance its natural beauty and prolong its life. It is of course appropriate for the coatings and treatments to match the sustainable attributes of the substrate.

Purpose of the Congress

The main purpose of the congress is to facilitate innovation in the formulation of woodcoatings, by bringing together the participants in the supply chain for an in-depth exchange of knowledge and ideas. In the case of the Forest Products industry, there are several institutions in Europe devoted to research in this important area, and the congress is an opportunity for the outcome of several important research projects to be disseminated. There is no substitute for being exposed to stimulating ideas and new information, and following up in person with additional discussions with potential partners sharing the same interests.

Who should attend

Attendance at the conference is important for technical, marketing, production and general management staff who are involved in the protection and preservation of wood. Raw material and equipment suppliers, paint formulators, end-users and other interested parties are all potential beneficiaries of this unique, intensive two-day collaboration with like-minded experts.

Congress Steering Committee

Dr Franco Bulian, CATAS
Mr Peter Svane, Coating Consultancy
Dr Laurence Podgorski, FCBA
Mrs Marie-Lise Roux, FCBA
Mrs Susan Calver, FIRA
Dr Jan Ekstedt, SP Traetek
Mr Dirk Kruse, WKI
Mr Jon Graystone, PRA
Mr David Sykes, PRA

Venue

The congress is being held at:

Mercure Aan de Amstel Hotel
Joan Muyskenweg 10
1096 CJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

This modern 4 star hotel is located in the south of Amsterdam on the waterfront. It is located within a 10 minute walk from the Overamstel metro station, with connections to the city centre (Central railway station) and airport (change at RAI station). It is situated near the A2 and A10 motorways and is 15 km from Schiphol Airport. There is ample parking at the hotel. Further details can be found on the hotel website.

Dates and Times

Tuesday 14 October 2008

08.15 - 09.05: Registration & Coffee
09.05 - 09.15: Opening Remarks
09.15 - 12.45: Session 1
12.45 - 14.00: Lunch
14.00 - 17.30: Sessions 2 and 3 (in parallel)
19.30: Congress Dinner

Wednesday 15 October 2008

09.00 - 12.30: Sessions 4 and 5 (in parallel)
12.30 - 13.30: Lunch
13.30 - 16.30: Session 6
16.30 End of Congress

Accommodation

Delegates are responsible for booking their own accommodation. Special rates have been agreed with the Mercure Hotel as follows:-

Room containing 2 single beds
Single Occupancy: Euros 156
Double Occupancy: Euros 178

All rates are subject to the prevailing city tax. Currently tax totals 5% and is subject to change. All rates are excluding breakfast. American breakfast buffet is available at Euros 21,50 per person. Snacks are available at the hotel bar from 08.00 a.m. A limited number of rooms are being held so early booking is advised. These rates will only apply up to one month before the conference starts after which bookings can only be made subject to availability and at the prevailing rate.

To book, contact the hotel reservations department and refer to the PRA conference.
Tel: + 31 20 6658181
Fax: +31 20 6948735
E-mail:H1244@accor.com

Congress Language

The official language of the conference will be English. Both presentations and discussions will take place in English.

Posters

Researchers from Universities/Institutes and industry are invited to submit poster presentations on topics relevant to the theme of the congress. The approximate size of the poster board is 1m high x 65 cm wide. The deadline for the title submission is 16 September 2008.

Congress Papers

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

Congress Dinner

The congress dinner will be held on the 14 October at 19.30. Delegates will be picked up on canal boats at a boarding point on the Amstel river within walking distance of the hotel. During the dinner, the boats will make a tour of the old canals in the centre of Amsterdam, providing a memorable experience for everyone. The cost is included in the registration fee, but places will only be reserved for delegates who confirm in advance that they wish to attend.

Travel & Visa Arrangements

Please make your own travel arrangements. Please contact the Dutch 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.

Registration fees

Fees Before 31 August 2008 After 31 August 2008
Standard Fee £660 £730
PRA Member Companies £580 £640
Academic Fee £380 £430
Conference Speakers £270 £300
Academic Speakers £180 £200
Student Fee £130 £160
Table Top Display (includes registration fee for one delegate) £710 £760
Posters - appropriate fee plus £60 £60
Conference Papers (Book Format) £50 £50

Fees include:

- Congress Papers in CD-ROM format*.
- Lunch, coffee and tea on the 14 and 15 October 2008
- List of delegates and participating companies
- List of Abstracts
- Canal trip and Congress Dinner on the 14 October 2008**

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

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

Cancellation/Substitutions

No refund will be made for cancellations received after the 16 September 2008. Refunds are subject to a £80 administration fee. Substitutions may be made at any time.