The Gasket Fabricators Assn. will sponsor Gasketing/Converting Expo '06 to be held March 29–31 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, Orlando, Fla.

The event is being held in conjunction with the GFA's annual Spring meeting and is the first trade show devoted exclusively to the gasketing and converting industry. It is being jointly developed by the GFA and the Independent Sealing Distributors.

Among the scheduled workshops is one on "Capitol Hill Forecast" which will help inform attendees on pending legislation that could impact their industry. The session will feature feedback and insights from Jade West, senior vice president—government relations, of the National Assn. of Wholesale Distributors, and Jay Timmons, senior vice president of policy for the National Assn. of Manufacturers.

Like many associations, GFA and ISD are sharing resources as well as some costs at the Orlando event. This extends the relationship between the two groups, said ISD executive director Joe Thompson. The two have recently been joint participants in issuing an annual operating survey.

"We've been hearing favorable comments from around the industry about initiatives where some associations will partner together to bring more resources to a location," Thompson said. "It should make for a broad range of issues at the Expo, between the technical sessions, the business presentations, the political issues, as well as the full-day exhibit program."

For information, log on to www.gasketfab.com.