Q&A: FSCT Executive Director Joseph Pontoski
FSCT is focused on the future
By Tim Wright • Editor
Regardless of any uncertainties or questions that have surrounded the FSCT with regards to the ICE exhibition over the past year, the Federation is focused and moving full steam ahead. The FSCT is poised for growth through change beginning with the implementation of several new features at this year’s Toronto exhibition including the New Product Showcase. Also, the highly anticipated FutureCoat! conference is quickly gaining itself a reputation as the leading technical conference of its kind. In addition, through several partnerships and with the ICE show moving back to Chicago next year, the FSCT is optimistic for the future.
The
ICE Show Daily caught up with Joseph Pontoski, FSCT’s executive director, and discussed these and other issues.
ICE SHOW DAILY (ISD):
What are your expectations for this year’s exhibition and conference?
Joseph Pontoski is executive director of the Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology (FSCT). Employed by FSCT for more than 10 years, Mr. Pontoski formerly served as FSCT?s COO before being named executive director earlier this year. Mr. Pontoski joined FSCT in 1996 as controller and director of administration. He earned an M.B.A. from St. Joseph?s University in Philadelphia and a B.S. in accounting from Penn State University. |
JOSEPH PONTOSKI:
Obviously, this year’s exhibition will be unlike shows of the past for many different reasons. That being said, I fully expect that all those participating will have a tremendous opportunity to interact in a more personal and focused environment. It is a great chance for attendees to meet and talk with a select group of exhibitors about their technical needs and the products or services available to meet those needs. The exhibitors will be able to strengthen their relationship with key customers and have access to potential new customers. The conference portion of the show is likely to be one of the best programs developed to date, and attendees will have unique access to some of the most renowned speakers and presenters in the industry. While comparisons to other events or previous and future shows may not be applicable, the opportunities are limited only by your desire and determination to take advantage of them.
ISD:
What are the highlights of this year’s show? What should attendees look forward to the most?
JOSEPH PONTOSKI:
ICE 2007 will see one of the finest technical programs ever conducted by the FSCT. Through the direction and oversight of the FutureCoat! Planning Committee, over 100 technical papers will be presented. In addition, a full day program dedicated to the impact of REACH in North America will also be offered. We also will see the largest number (36) of student posters ever submitted. Outside of the educational programs, other highlights include, exclusive exhibit only hours and a New Product Showcase, which is being offered for the first time at ICE. Attendees should look forward to the opportunity to meet with exhibitors and learn about the products and services they offer to help them in their jobs.
ISD:
What kind of feedback have you received about FutureCoat!
JOSEPH PONTOSKI:
FutureCoat! was first introduced in 2006 and received excellent reviews from both the presenters and attendees of the program. Based upon that success, the program in 2007 has been expanded and has received a record number of presentations, totaling over 100. In addition, we have developed an entire track of presentations geared around the Mattiello Lecture presented by Gordon Bierwagen of North Dakota State University. This year’s program also features a keynote address by John Warner of the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Technical Focus Lecture by Rigoberto Advincula, of the University of Houston. The hard work and dedication of all the volunteers associated with FutureCoat! have made this program so successful.
ISD:
What are you hearing from your members about how the FSCT can best serve its members moving forward?
JOSEPH PONTOSKI:
As with most individual membership organizations, the best way to serve the members is by providing benefits and services that contribute to their ability to do their jobs, to their careers and to their ongoing success. Federation members expect us to provide these benefits in a very cost effective manner. Some benefits that we have recently added include the expanded version of JCT Research and the ability for members to access these articles online even before the printed version is available. Also, through our agreement with Springer Media, members now have online access to several other technical journals free of charge. Moving forward, we will continue to offer educational programs and provide access to resources that give our members a competitive edge.
ISD:
What does FSCT have planned for the future?
JOSEPH PONTOSKI:
There is much on the horizon as far as the FSCT is concerned. One big development is the formation of a Strategic Alliance with our sister organization in England, OCCA. In this past year, we have combined our technical journals into JCTR, which has been very well received. Through the Alliance, our members will be part of and have access to a larger, more global network of resources and contacts. We will look to expand the Alliance into other areas as well. Educationally, we will be increasing the offerings and opportunities available particularly with our ACSeries which includes a program on Nanotechnology, being held March 26-28, 2008 in Orlando, FL. We are planning on hosting several educational programs outside the U.S. as well. We will continue to focus on providing additional resources and services to our membership, and through our partnership with Springer Media, are pleased to offer free online access to other research journals.
ISD:
What is FSCT doing to change ICE?
JOSEPH PONTOSKI:
The FSCT is working hard to change the ICE show. We are adding features and programs that will appeal to a broader audience. We are forming an ICE advisory committee consisting of exhibitors and attendees to get feedback on how to improve the thing we can control. However, the future success of the event will also require changes in areas that we do not ultimately control. One concern is that so much activity is going on outside of the show floor. Sales meetings, non-exhibitor suites, customer dinners, all these things draw people to the city but not necessarily to the show floor. If the business of the industry is conducted at the show, rather than in the hotels or restaurants it will not only be more cost effective, but also build the energy, activity and excitement of the event.
ISD:
What is in store for ICE in 2008 and beyond?
JOSEPH PONTOSKI:
We are looking to dramatically change the show and expand its impact. We are excited about the future direction of ICE in 2008 and beyond. First, the show will occur every other year as previously planned—in Chicago—which has historically been its best venue and the location that exhibitors and attendees alike have requested. No other city is as accessible for the coatings industry. Second, we are looking to expand through collaboration with other allied industry groups. Third, we will continue to build on the educational content of the show through our dedicated volunteers and members, and lastly, we are working closely with exhibitors and attendees to listen to their ideas and implement changes that provide value to those participating in the show. ICE is a show organized by the industry for the benefit of the industry and we look forward to everyone’s continued involvement in the future.
