BENSENVILLE, IL—With more than 170 attendees and sold-out exhibit space, this year’s Quality Measurement Conference, held April 28-May 1, in Clearwater Beach, FL, was the largest and most successful event in the conference’s 10-year history. Attendees filled the rooms at the Marriott Suites Resort at Sandkey in Clearwater, FL, to learn the latest on measurement, test, inspection, analysis and management.

This year marked the inaugural Quality Nondestructive Testing Conference. Attendees gained insight on how to implement nondestructive testing methods in real-world manufacturing environments.

In addition to workshops, general sessions and various networking opportunities, attendees had the chance to hear two dynamic keynote speakers.

In the first of two keynote speeches, Dean Beutel, Director of Technical Resources for Caterpillar Inc. (Peoria, IL), focused on the impact of supplier and production quality and its impact on competitiveness within U.S. industry in general, and Caterpillar in particular. Specific topics discussed included the Caterpillar Production System and its relentless pursuit to eliminate waste, as well as Caterpillar's efforts to ensure continued supply of top-quality products to their customer base around the world.

In the second keynote speech, Dr. Kenneth C. Russell, Professor Emeritus of Metallurgy and Nuclear Engineering Department of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT, shared his insights and experiences in applying various metallurgical, failure analysis, and measurement techniques and nondestructive testing (NDT) technologies for the benefit of his clients. He also focused on how product manufacturers and measurement system manufacturers and NDT system manufacturers can better serve their customers, while keeping the ambulance chasers away.

Special Achievements

During a special presentation, Quality Magazine Publisher Thomas Sloma-Williams recognized Ed Pritchard for getting the conference off the ground 10 years ago. In his “retirement” Pritchard continues his commitment to help the conference grow. Ford’s Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Sterling Heights, MI, was presented with the 2008 Quality Plant of the Year Award and Peter Sanderson, President of TQMS Inc., was presented with the 2008 Quality Professional of the Year Award. Both Van Dyke Plant Manager Alexandria Maciag and Sanderson acknowledged that it is truly people that make a difference.

New Location

To accommodate the growing conference, in 2009, the Quality Measurement Conference and Quality Nondestructive Testing Conference are moving to the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL, May 4-7. In additional, the inaugural Quality Vision and Sensors Conference will join the line-up to deliver practical education about vision and sensor components, systems, software and services.

For more information, visit www.qualitymag.com/qmc, www.ndtmag.com/qndtc or call (888) 530-6714.

To submit a topic for presentation or workshop visit www.qualitymag.com/qmc.