iNews February 2006

ISTA Board of Directors Welcomes Karen Proctor
Karen L. Proctor, Chair of the Packaging Science Program at Rochester Institute of Technology, has been appointed to the ISTA Board of Directors as VP-Education, filling a vacancy created by Chad Thompson’s resignation.

As reported in the last issue of iNews, Chad Thompson left packaging at UPS to take over his family’s business in Northern California. Chad had been serving as ISTA’s VP of Testing & Certification. Rather than Karen Proctor replacing Chad directly in that capacity, current ISTA officer Paul Singh of Michigan State University moved from VP-Education to VP-Testing & Certification, and then Karen was appointed to replace Paul as VP-Education.

Karen holds a B.S. and M.S. in Packaging from Michigan State University, and an MBA from R.I.T. Her knowledge of packaging and her academic expertise will be a valuable addition to ISTA’s Board.

Click Here to see a list of all ISTA Officers and Directors.

Dimensions.06 – Two Months and Counting!

The big event is fast approaching! Presented by ISTA and IoPP and to be held April 18-21 in San Antonio, Dimensions is the premier transport-packaging educational conference of the year. See you there!

It’s All About the Content
Although Dimensions is well known for its great networking, food, fun, and business opportunities, the educational program is obviously the major focus. This year’s line-up is outstanding, covering such diverse subjects as packaging for various products and distribution systems, new test techniques and capabilities, virtual testing, RFID, packaging solutions in China, measurement of the distribution environment, supply chain globalization, and many more. There are a total of thirty-one speakers from leading companies and organizations, including six international presenters. The program is fast-paced, but presentations are backed up by written papers (furnished to each attendee on CD), providing more in-depth and detailed information for those who want it. And of course, most speakers will be available during networking sessions for additional dialog. Dimensions is, first and foremost, a world-class educational experience. Click Here for an overview of the program, or Click Here for complete information about the speakers and topics.

But There’s More – The CPLP Workshops
If you’ve wanted to become an ISTA Certified Packaging Laboratory Professional but prefer a classroom-type environment to the typical self-study approach, register for the Dimensions CPLP Workshops. Held before the conference officially starts, the Workshops can lead to certification as a CPLP Technician, Technologist, or both. The classes are held on Monday April 17, and the exams are administered on Tuesday morning April 18. Click Here (scroll down if necessary) for details on the Workshops and on the CPLP program.

Business Opportunities at Dimensions
There are still openings for both sponsors and exhibitors at Dimensions. The visibility of sponsoring or exhibiting can significantly leverage your organization’s attendance at Dimensions, and bring your message to a focused, interested audience. Click Here for a current list of sponsors and details on becoming a sponsor. Click Here for the exhibitors list with links to exhibiting rates and details.

Icing on the Cake
The Dimensions “extras” are legendary. From the Welcome Reception to the Networking Fun, golf, the “Family Thing”, the Exhibitor Reception, the Optional sessions, the great food… you never knew an educational experience could be so enjoyable. Click Here to read about all the events.

Register NOW!
There are still a few days left to get the Early-Bird discount. Act now, Click Here to register. On the form, please indicate all events which you wish to attend, even the free ones, so that we’ll be able to accommodate everyone.

SEE YOU IN SAN ANTONIO IN APRIL. YEE-HAAAA!

Publish Your Paper or Article in PST

ISTA’s quarterly PreShipment Testing newsletter always contains technical information in addition to industry and Association news and announcements. If you have a paper or article that would be suitable for this publication, please contact us.

The PST newsletter has a circulation of about 2,000 ISTA member organizations and friends. Technical articles we publish are normally in the range of 1500 to 2500 words and include suitable illustrations, but other lengths and configurations would be considered. The emphasis is obviously on subjects related to product and package testing, but again we would consider other topics of interest. E-mail Bill Kipp at ISTA for information.

Click Here to view the PST Archive and read previously-published technical articles.
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ISTA Test Report Forms Updated

Many of the ISTA Test Procedures have undergone editorial revisions and additions for 2006. Along with this, the Test Report forms have also been updated, and are now available on-line.

Prior versions of the Test Report forms can still be used, but for 2006 ISTA is requiring a much more detailed description of the package and product being tested, and the new forms specifically state this. Forms for the 1-, 2-, and 3-Series Test Procedures are available for all ISTA members submitting test results, in a protected Word for Windows® format. Click Here for details, instructions, and to download the new versions today.

The new Test Procedure versions are also available on-line from the “Member Login” website section and are in the 2006 Resource Book which will be shipped soon.

Poly Pack Scheduled for Mid-May

Poly Pack, Cal Poly’s four-day symposium to integrate packaging students with industry, will be held in San Luis Obispo, California on May 9-12.

The event consists of various workshops on Tuesday the 9th, followed by speakers and special events on Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday evening features a banquet and silent auction. Thursday evening is the popular egg-drop contest. Friday is the Best Ball Scramble Golf Tournament, and a closing ceremonies brunch. Tours of the Cal Poly packaging facilities will be available all week.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and needed, as the event wouldn't be possible without the financial support of industry (sponsorships are completely tax deductible). Speakers and other participants are also needed.

For more information, contact Chris Ferrier, Chair: Armen Ekmekji, Co-Chair; Jay Singh, Packaging Program Director; or Keith Vorst, Director of Plastics Program.

Renew Your ISTA Membership for 2006
The early deadline for 2006 ISTA membership dues has passed, but you can still renew in time to get your 2006 Resource Book! The Book will be shipped soon, but only to members in good standing, so act now!

For those member companies who have not yet paid, or have not made payment arrangements with ISTA Headquarters, you will be dropped from the rolls on March 15. You will then need to re-join in order to obtain the advantages of membership. The Resource Book will NOT be shipped to you until dues are paid for 2006. So don't be left out – renew today!

Renewing your membership has never been easier! Simply login to the Members Only section of the ISTA website, click Pay Dues on the right and follow the steps. You can review the invoice as well as print a payment confirmation! Forgot your login information? No problem - simply Click Here, enter your email address, and your login details will be immediately emailed to you.