MURFEESBORO, TN — The Coordinate Metrology Society announced the rollout of a new Education Zone (EZ) in addition to its popular Measurement Zone at the 2016 Coordinate Metrology Society Conference (CMSC).

Located in the CMSC Exhibition Hall, the Education and Measurement Zones are designed to engage audiences through creative daily activities, including knowledge contests and hands-on competitions using portable metrology systems. The week-long conference will be held from July 25–29, 2016 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Murfreesboro, TN.

This seminal gathering draws leading OEMs and service providers, and industry experts delivering fresh perspectives on trends, best practices, R&D, successful applications and innovations in the field of metrology. The Measurement and Educational Zones are open during CMSC Exhibition Hours, Tuesday, July 26–28. All activities are coordinated by the National Physical Laboratory (UK), Metrologic, and assisted by the CMS Certification Committee.

The new Education Zone will feature an eLearning platform for metrologists of all stripes, with instructional eTablets and materials available during the 5 day conference. Attendees can study a variety of metrology topics from measurement uncertainty to strategic measurement plans. The EZ will also host workshops and presentations on current topics of interest to 3D portable measurement professionals including Laser Tracker Best Practices, Shop Floor Metrology and Technology, and a hands-on GD&T workshop. The classic and popular CMSC Quiz Show is returning with an expanded program over two days. Participants will first compete in heats, and each winning team will stand off in a grand finale game to claim the title of 2016 CMSC Champions. Creaform is the 2016 sponsor of the CMSC Education Zone.

Introduced in 2010, the Measurement Zone (MZ) features ever-challenging programs to support the continuing education and practical methodology needs of specialists, technicians, managers, certified operators and programmers. Attendees can participate in valuable behavioral activities focused on industry best practices with portable metrology equipment. The 2016 MZ will be divided into three distinct regions. Zone 1 will showcase multiple 3D measurement equipment types used to demonstrate techniques and best practices. Zone 2 will highlight a robot being used for automated measurement programming. Zone 3 is the "Competition Zone" where users will utilize portable metrology equipment to perform defined measurement tasks on an automobile chassis (body in white) provided by Volkswagen. Pre-registration is required. A grand prize will be awarded at the annual CMSC Wednesday night banquet. Metrologic is the 2016 sponsor of the CMSC Measurement Zone.

For more information, visit www.CMSC.org.