SPS/IPC/Drives continues to build on its tradition of a strong conference alongside the exhibition. The conference program ranges from technical papers, forums, and discussions to poster sessions, which are given almost exclusively in German. In 1999, a total of 98 lectures and 20 tutorials were presented. Conference topics ranged widely from Java techniques for automation (web-based, embedded, etc.) to and safety of bus systems, sensorless control methods for ac induction motors, and high-performance servo systems. While system solutions are in the forefront, there is no disillusionment with components at SPS/IPC/Drives. The next show, scheduled for Nov. 28-30, 2000, continues to carry the subtitle "Electrical Automation—Systems & Components."