InfraMation 2005 – A Huge Success for All!

by David Francoeur
Director of Marketing - FLIR Systems

As many of you already know, InfraMation 2005 was a huge success! And, we’d like to thank all the attendees who came to Las Vegas to take advantage of the multiple learning opportunities and to share their own “infrared success stories.”

For the first time, we found the demand for the “IR Clinics” to be, frankly, overwhelming! Over 650 students enrolled in these three-hour “How to” workshops and gained expert knowledge, tips-and-tricks, and leading edge ideas to help them excel when they’re back on the job.

Pat Cleary makes a point during his keynote presentation.

For the first time, we kicked off the general session with a keynote presentation from Pat Cleary, Senior Vice President of Communications at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), who also served as the deputy assistant secretary for policy in the Regan Administration’s Labor Department. “Wow, what a great speech” was the general comment heard after Pat’s rousing keynote presentation! You can see his slides and comments on the official NAM blog: http://blog.nam.org/archives/2005/10/report_from_ame_11.php

For the first time, we hosted a team from NASA that gave an excellent presentation on how FLIR infrared cameras are being used on the Discovery Space Shuttle – it was a presentation not to be missed!

For the first time, we had the largest group of news media sponsors, and we’d like to thank Bob Vavra, Editor of Plant Engineering magazine, for “teeing-up” our keynote presentation on Monday morning. Bob is from Chicago and an avid White Sox fan and, well, we all know how happy Bob is right now! A special thanks to Paul Studebaker, the Editor in Chief of Plant Services magazine, for his participation and to Tom Madding, the Publisher of Maintenance Technology for sponsoring the Internet Café.

The general technical sessions were well attended in the Orleans showroom.

For the first time, FLIR Systems offered a free spot-check-calibration to anyone who brought in their infrared camera. This is a $179 value that was given free to any InfraMation attendee. All we can say here is we underestimated by a factor of 3 the number of people that would bring in their cameras – we never thought this idea would take off so well, but it did and we’re happy to provide this added benefit.

A delegate asks a question during the general technical session.

For the first time, we also merged the Poster Session with a “kicked-up-cocktail-party!” And, oh what a time! We received more accolades for this Poster Session than ever, for lots of good reasons. Not only could you enjoy the many hors d'oeuvres and carving stations but this relaxed atmosphere also allowed people to linger and talk to those exhibiting their poster presentations – exactly what is supposed to happen.

The Poster Session and Reception was a beehive of activity.

But, more than anything, there was a buzz in the air. From the speakers, to the workshops, to the technical presentations – and all throughout the week – you could hear people talking about their infrared success stories and their plans for the future. Infrared, as they say, is hot!

An author explains his work during the Poster Session.

With all the buzz and excitement, and all the media asking us for “real life success stories,” we came back from Vegas and hired on a few more professionals writers just to interview all the attendees who want to share their stories. Do you have an infrared success story you’d like to share with us? Have you just purchased your first IR camera or are you a seasoned pro? We want to hear from you! And, we want to get you published in your local newspapers or in national journals.

Help us spread the word that infrared is just one heck of an amazing tool!
Click this link to email Virginia Reynolds with your success story.