It is no surprise that leaders of the Association of Asia-Oceanic Steel Drum Manufacturers (AOSD) selected Beijing, China to be the site of the Association's Fifth Annual Meeting. Considered the artistic and cultural centre of China, this dynamic city is home to more than 10 million people and over 70 institutions of higher learning. Selected to host the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, Beijing is literally bursting at the seams with new construction activity and the infectious enthusiasm that presages such an historic event. Amid this hustle and bustle, more than 180 participants from 16 nations united in the four-day AOSD conference to discuss current and emerging business issues affecting the Asian steel drum manufacturing profession. Also present were industry suppliers, consultants, representatives of the International Confederation of Drum Manufacturers (ICDM), International Confederation of Container Reconditioners (ICCR), as well as numerous high-ranking representatives of the Chinese Packaging Technology Association (CPTA). Two opulent dinners were hosted by AOSD, one of which featured performances by members of the Chinese Opera Company. As is the custom at such events, the toasts were many and varied, and attendees took advantage of the relaxed atmosphere to renew acquaintances and explore new business opportunities.
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