In early March 2020, RadTech International North America, The Association for Ultraviolet and Electron Beam Technologies, held its biennial show  in Orlando, FL. Little did anyone know that the COVID-19 pandemic was just around the corner; in fact, the Disney properties shut down just a few days after the conference concluded.

Now, two years later, RadTech 2022 returns to Orlando, FL at the Hyatt Regency Orlando from May 9-12. While many conferences had to shut down or skip years, RadTech remained on track. However, for many people, this is the first time they have been able to get together at a trade show.

Mickey Fortune, associate executive director for RadTech, said that there is no substitute for in-person meetings.

“We are pumped to be back to business and back in person at RadTech 2022,” Fortune said. “Our last in-person conference was in 2020 right before the world shut down. We were able to stay in touch with our members over the past two years through webinars, but nothing can replace the in-person experience. Relationships are built and solidified over hallway conversations, dinners, and watered-down drinks.”

UV/EB technology has continued to enjoy growth, particularly on the UV LED side.

“UV LED continues to grow at an exciting rate,” said Fortune. “We are also seeing a lot of continued interest in electron beam technology in printing and packaging, but also in new areas like batteries and other industrial applications. I would be doing a disservice to our event if I didn’t mention the tremendous interest in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. That industry has taken off like a rocket and continues to climb.”

RadTech 2020 will feature four short courses, 25Technical Conference tracks, six panel discussions, RadLaunch and more than 55 exhibitors. Fortune pointed to a few highlights in particular,.

“We’re excited about the sustainability session, as well as our panel sessions (also discussing sustainability) but also focusing towards our successes with customers like Fender Guitar and industry growth into new application areas like batteries,” Fortune said.

Overall, Fortune said that everyone he is talking with is looking forward to getting together in Orlando.

“We are going into our event on a wave of good vibes,” Fortune concluded. “Everyone we have spoken to is beyond excited to get together in Orlando to reconnect with old friends and meet new people. We have always said that a successful UV/EB project begins with a team of suppliers, and these teams begin at RadTech shows.”