Four major events in two weeks offer knowledge and innovations

March comes in like a lion — and goes out with four major trade events in the final two weeks of the month. Each offers an overview of the latest technologies for general manufacturing as well as specific market segments, and each offers a chance to gain knowledge of the latest techniques in the industry.

If you are a trade show warrior, here's your itinerary for the next two weeks:

Rosemont, IL: National Manufacturing Week kicks off a four day run on March 20 at its new venue, the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, which is adjacent to O'Hare International Airport. The show features 1,200 exhibitors, more than 250 education sessions and has been a must-see event for plant engineers for decades.

New York City: INTERPHEX is held every other year, and this year's event at the Javits Convention Center on March 21 to March 23 will cover such issues as pharmaceutical globalization, contamination control, and RFID. As one of the fastest-growing areas of manufacturing, pharmaceutical companies and the technologies that help them grow will both be on display.

Los Angeles: The Society of Manufacturing Engineers will have its annual meeting, "The Total Manufacturing Experience" on March 27 to March 29 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The WESTEC 2006 Advanced Productivity Exposition, features technology products and supplier services from 150 categories representing 2,500 international product lines.

Cleveland: The 2006 Material Handling & Logistics Show and Conference (NA 2006). The three-day biannual event begins March 27 at Cleveland's I-X Center. This year's conference features a free Executive Forum, more than 60 free show-floor educational seminars, an RFID Education Center, two detailed educational workshops and a two and one-half day short course outlining leading-edge equipment and technology solutions.