Follow up

The 7th International Colloquium Industrial Floors 2010 took place at the Technische Akademie Esslingen in Ostfildern near Stuttgart from 14 to 16 December 2010. 230 participants from 18 countries listened to more than 80 technical presentations. In addition, 18 companies were displaying their products and their technology in the exhibition on-site.

With this conference a new generation took charge. The former chairman, Dr. Peter Seidler, took his leave with a retrospect on 6 successful conferences and a lecture on "Seven Well Known Fundamental Flaws against Innovations in Construction Chemistry". In 1987, Dr. Seidler had initiated this meeting of experts and has chaired 6 very successful conferences since then.

His successor, Professor Klaus Littmann from Leibniz University in Hannover, who has been a member of the programme planning committee for many years, was pleased to undertake this task. Together with the other members of the programme planning committee he had already planned and organized the 7th Colloquium Industrial Floors 2010.

At the first conference under his chairmanship he focussed on various floor constructions. Plenary lectures and technical papers discussed the technical conditions and requirements on construction and use of industrial floors made of wood or derived timber product as well as natural stone or ashlar. Manufacturers and users animatedly discussed opportunities and limitations with view to the application of the different materials.

On an evening walk through the old town of Esslingen and the medieval Christmas Market the participants learned some interesting features of local history while experiencing the special charm of Esslingen and enjoying the unique atmosphere of a town expecting Christmas time.

At the end of the conference, both participants and organizers agreed not to wait another 4 years for the next colloquium.

So, let us look forward to the innovations and key aspects concerning industrial floors that Dr. Littmann and the committee will provide for in spring 2014.