Conference Report

 

Crisp and Sunny....

from our Special Correspondent.

• Denver welcomed the AVS 49th International Symposium with an appropriate spell of fine, sunny weather, with crisp snow on the Rockies as a beautiful backdrop. And "crisp and sunny" could be a description of the the Kratos stand at the exhibit too, with considerable interest focussed on the two working instruments on display - the Axis ULTRA and the especially the Axis NOVA, on its first exhibition appearance. Throughout the three days of the exhibit, these machines (and their operators!) were kept continually busy with the constant stream of user's samples for analysis and more formal demonstration sessions. "Amazing!" was one typical visitor's reaction, "I never would have imagined that you could get such accurate quantitation so quickly from XPS!"

  Of course not all the excitement was confined to the exhibition floor. As usual Kratos scientists, users, and co-workers made a considerable contribution to the conference proceedings (some of which, especially the Tuesday afternoon "Imaging" session, were "standing room only" presentations - it was a relief to return to the (only slightly) less crowded exhibit hall for the posters!) Chris Blomfield's paper on the principles and practice underpinning the new Axis NOVA was extremely well received. "It's great," he commented, "to have the opportunity to actually demonstrate the more novel capabilities of the system on the booth"

  The social side of the gathering wasn't neglected either. This year the "Customer's Appreciation Dinner" was a superb evening arranged at Maggiano's Little Italy, a venue with a wonderful reputation for delicious food, "generous family style portions" and an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. "All you need to bring is a healthy appetite. The menu consists of five courses!" said the invitation and that was no exaggeration! The writer was not the only one outfaced!

  All in all, a stimulating and surely very successful meeting. I wonder how they can "top that" at the 50th anniversary meeting in Baltimore next year?

  
  

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	Copyright © Kratos 2002 Last Update: 02/11/12 Kratos Analytical is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Shimadzu Corporation.
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