K-2007 Update: More to see than just technology

As interesting as those are, there is more to experience at the K-2007 show than just new technologies and materials.

For the approximately 40,000 daily show-goers who pack the International Trade Fair grounds where the show is being staged, relaxation of a sort can be had at a carnival-like outdoor square ground sponsored by BASF, complete with death-defying rides.

Those with a subtler taste in entertainment no doubt enjoy the dance revues staged by show sponsor Messe Dusseldorf, complete with giant video screen backdrop. Highlights include a mock striptease performed to the strains of Joe Cockers You can leave your hat on.

And in some of the tunnels connecting the various halls, robots stocked with guidebooks and newsletters give chase to amused passers-by.

For the politically attuned, meanwhile, notable sights included that of U.S. Ambassador to Germany William Robert Timken Jr., who toured the show on October 26. Timken also attended a roundtable with the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) and various U.S. plastics suppliers and processors. Speaking on free trade, Timken said that while global competition is tough, the U.S. industry is up to the challenge.