The Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) has announced that the dates and location of its PowderMet2011 annual conference have been shifted from June in Chicago to May 18–21, in San Francisco.

The move follows a lengthy renegotiation process initiated by MPIF with venues in three cities in order to secure rate and space concessions during a challenging environment for hotels, while at the same time laying the foundation for anticipated growth in conference attendance as the powder metallurgy (PM) industry rebounds from the current economic downturn.

The realignment means the 2011 conference will be held at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, while the Sheraton Chicago will now instead host the 2013 conference in June of that year. Unaffected by these changes is the site of the 2012 conference, which will remain at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville. As part of the three-way negotiation, MPIF is currently finalizing agreement to bring the 2014 PM World Congress to Orlando, Florida.

“These unusual moves represent an extraordinary deal for MPIF, its members, and for the hotels involved,” says MPIF Executive Director/CEO Jim Trombino. “The appeal of ‘America’s Favorite City’ in 2011 should contribute immeasurably to rebuilding our annual conference attendance numbers back to their higher historical levels. All in all, it’s a win-win for all parties,” he added.

The PowderMet conference and exhibition sponsored annually by MPIF and APMI International, is aimed at powder metallurgy and particulate materials engineers, technical staff, and sales and management personnel. Complete details about this year’s conference, to be held in Hollywood (Ft. Lauderdale), Florida, can be found at www.mpif.org