Friday in Cologne

Good evening from Cologne. Today was the first day since I have been here that I didn't attend an official press conference, so I spent a lot more time in the halls, shooting videos, and doing interviews.

Among the interviews of the day were Patterson's Scott Anderson and Midmark's Eric Shirley. Both are great guys and both editorial advisory board members for me for Proofs. I alway appreciate their time and candor.

During our lunch, Scott made a great statement about the IDS when he told me he really didn't see anything earth-shattering at this year's meeting, but it was very much an acknolwedgement that CAD\CAM was at the tipping point for dentistry (by the way, there were a reported 170 companies showcasing CAD\CAM technology in Cologne. Wow.). Eric talked with me on video about the acquisition of Progeny (you'll see the video when I get back to the States) and confirmed that Midmark and Progeny reps would see little change with the acquisition. He didn't foresee any reps having their products changed just because of the deal.

Spent a lot of time at the Vatech booth late this afternoon (you may know the company better as E-woo). Pete Steinhousen (formerly with Aribex) is now working his marketing magic for the company and helped me along on a tour where I saw some of the new pan and CT machines they will be bringing to the States by the end of the year. Looks like some very interesting and amazing technology will be coming from Vatech soon (and they will most likely change from E-woo to Vatech in the U.S.).

Had dinner tonight with Jeff Johnson, a Wall Street analyst who has written articles for me for both Proofs and Dental Economics. He and I were very alike in our thinking ... there was "cautious optimism" from companies about the economic situation, but there was a very good feeling coming from the flood of people both here and in Chicago at the Midwinter. He also told me that some companies he spoke with looked as if they would be ahead of their sales compared to the 2007 meeting. That should be a nice shot in the arm right there for the industry's confidence.

It was even a good day weather-wise here as the sun even broke through the clouds for a few moments.

Until tomorrow...