Formerly, the association "served all the parties in the industry, from the educator to the supplier of component parts and filter products, but failed to serve the most important person who makes the decisive buying decision and ultimately pays the bill," said Ed Gregor, AFS chairman. Until now, filter specifiers, buyers and users have had no single event to attend for both filtration education and to meet equipment suppliers. Yet this group spends billions of dollars annually on filtration products, according to AFS.

In addition, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers will co-locate its annual spring conference and exposition with AFS Atlanta show. In 2006, AFS will co-locate with the annual Powder and Bulk Solids Show in Chicago.