Plans are already underway for the 2009 Paint and Coatings Mega Show, which will run Feb. 15-18, 2009 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. This will be PACE’s first trip to The Big Easy since the show was founded in 2005.

The Paint & Coatings Expo is the convention and tradeshow for painting and decorating contractors, facility owners and end-users; wallcovering professionals; manufacturers; suppliers/vendors; residential, industrial and commercial contractors; formulators; engineering firms; consultants; architects; designers; inspection firms; and steel fabricators.

A joint venture between the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) and The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), PACE is the only paint and coatings industry trade show and conference dedicated to the painting project, from formulation to application.

Expanding on years of their own traditions, PDCA and SSPC joined together in 2005 to create a new tradition and fulfill the needs of the industry by giving members, customers, and vendors a single destination to promote their products and network with their peers.

The 2008 Paint and Coatings Expo welcomed over 300 exhibits of innovative products, tools and technology to the Los Angeles Convention Center in late January. The Expo featured hands-on demonstrations in the classroom and the exhibit hall and allowed attendees to meet with peers to share knowledge. The program kicked off with a breakfast and opening session held by sponsor ICI Paints followed by keynote speaker, John Powers.

With a renewed focus on education, the PACE 2008 educational sessions put the “T” back in technical and the “B” back in business. With more than 100 hours of education, attendees were able to select those sessions that fit their specific needs. The show included education sessions for residential, commercial, industrial, decorative and craftsmanship in small, medium and large companies. Special events this year included the annual golf tournament and a special training session on lead-safe practices.

Just as in previous years, 2009 attendees will get four intense days that focus on nothing but the practice, technology, standards, and business of the industry.

For more information, visit www.PACE2009.com.