The Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Las Vegas was the venue for the latest INTERCEM AMERICAS meeting held just before the Christmas holidays.

The meeting was attended by 225 delegates from 30 countries and the programme of presentations covered a wide range of topics relevant to the cement industry in the region.

Clearly, the current problems being encountered by the US construction industry was the topic on most delegates minds and the presentation by analyst Ed Sullivan (PCA) did little to give provide any early Christmas cheer, predicting that 2008 could be a very tough year for a cement industry used to YOY growth in recent times.

Canada seems to have avoided most of the difficulties brought about by the sub prime lending crisis and is set to maintain a modest but steady growth in cement consumption.

PCA Chairman Charlie Sunderland arrived one day late due to the ice storms encountered in the mid west but gave an interesting and informative piece on the PCA's role in developing relationships with Government bodies and the industries attitude to the all important environmental challenges.

An enjoyable social programme was topped off with a dinner that featured entertainment by the Rat Pack who provided delegates with believable interpretations of the famous stars of Las Vegas from the 50's and 60's Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr.

I would like to thank Star Cement, McGregor Bulk and Evermont  who provided sponsorship for what was a very enjoyable and productive meeting.