One of the largest and most successful filtration events ever filled Chicago's Navy Pier late last month as suppliers, customers and end users from around the world took part in three days of education, new products and networking at the Filtration 2011 International Conference and Exposition.

"Living up to its billing as the largest and most important filtration industry event in the world, Filtration 2011 drew a near-record 1,670 attendees to Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois, November 15-17, 2011. This attendance figure is up 20% over Filtration 2010 last year in Philadelphia," organisers INDA said today.

Filling the exhibit hall at Navy Pier, Filtration 2011 featured a total of 132 exhibitors from 16 countries. 20 of the exhibitors were first-time participants at the Filtration Conference & Exposition.

"The strong attendance and impressive number of exhibitors confirm the important role that Filtration 2011 plays in the business of filtration," says Rory Holmes, President of INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, organizer of the annual event.

"The Midwest location proved very attractive for both attendees and exhibitors from around the world."

"Attendees at Filtration 2011 were able to see and touch the latest developments in raw materials, machinery and finished products from both established and new companies from everywhere filtration products are made and used," Holmes adds.

In addition to the Exposition, the well-attended three-day Filtration 2011 Conference focused on vital topics to the business of filtration in 2011 and beyond.

"The conference this year highlighted such topical issues as interior air quality, control of airborne illnesses and industrial efficiencies, in addition to the latest product technology," says INDA's Director of Technical Affairs, Steve Ogle.

A highlight of the conference was a session called "Twenty Years of Progress - Looking into the Future.

" Executives from four leading filtration companies - Ahlstrom, AAF, Flanders and Hollingsworth & Vose - shared a brief historical perspective of progress and market developments, their current view of the filtration marketplace, and a focused look to future trends and dynamics in the business. Also, as part of the Filtration 2011 Conference, the always well-attended Filtration 101 & Filtration 201 sessions covered the basics of both Air and Liquid Filtration, along with discussions of common applications in both fields.

Once again, a Best Booths competition was held to recognize and reward the most attractive and innovative displays at Filtration 2011. Winners were announced in three categories - Large Booth (more than 200 square feet), Ahlstrom Filtration; Small Booth (less than 200 square feet), Colbond; New Booth, Universal Air Filter.  

Filtration 2012 is scheduled for November 13-15, 2012 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For more information: www.inda.org