12 October 2024/
A HISTORIC GATHERING IN AVIGNON: THE EUROPEAN TECHNICAL COATINGS CONGRESS
At the end of September, the historic Palace of Popes in Avignon opened its doors to the European Technical Coatings Congress (ETCC). Organized by the French Association of Technicians of Paints, Varnishes, Printing Inks and Adhesives (AFTPVA), this prestigious event brought together experts from around the globe. Over 100 conferences showcased the latest innovations and scientific advancements in the field. Universities, companies, institutes and laboratories presented their cutting-edge research. The congress also welcomed many young scientists, students, PhD researchers and professional specialists who shared their work through oral and poster presentations. This international event, with a tradition spanning over 70 years, continues to be a significant platform for scientific and technical exchange.
PRESIDENT OF AFTPVA BERNARD CHAPUIS
Bernard Chapuis, President of AFTPVA and Chair of the Organizing Committee, proudly announced, “Our organization was founded in Paris in 1947, and we organize regional, national and international conferences and seminars focused on the advancement of science and technology in the field of coatings. This time, we are hosting our international event in Avignon.”
Avignon, the capital of the Vaucluse department, is one of the few French cities that has preserved its ancient city walls. The skyline of Avignon is a stunning urban landscape. Overlooking the city and the Rhône River, the Rocher de Doms presents an exceptional set of monuments, including the Saint Benezet Bridge (the famous Pont d’Avignon), the Ramparts, the Petits Palais, the Cathedral and the impressive walls of the Popes Palace flanked by four towers. This exceptional ensemble of medieval architecture has been recognized by UNESCO as a “World Heritage for Humanity.”
Keynote speakers Andre Van Linden, Jaime C. Grunlan, Christel Pierlot, and Larissa Noury delivered fascinating preliminary lectures, setting the stage for a successful and enlightening event.
RENOWNED VISUAL ARTIST, COLORIST LARISSA NOURY’S INSIGHTFUL PRESENTATION
Eminent artist and colorist Larissa Noury expressed her joy and honor in delivering a plenary conference titled “Colours and Cities” to a professional audience. She highlighted how engineers and technicians from major companies in the coating industry could see the practical results of their scientific research. Noury emphasized that color is a universal, transcultural phenomenon, with each city having its unique color image tied to its natural landscape and historical background. She expressed her gratitude to the ETCC organizers for the opportunity to share her passion and profession, presenting her three books on colors and cities and showcasing her five-dimensional tactile color samples in the charming medieval space of the Popes Palace.
CELEBRATING SUCCESS AND INNOVATION
A gala dinner was organized for all participants, where awards were given to speakers with the best presentations during closing ceremony. Attendees enjoyed discovering the beautiful city of Avignon, the capital of art and architecture in Vaucluse, and exploring the latest trends in the paints and coatings industry.