ORLANDO, FL-After years at Chicago's Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA, Edina, MN) is moving its annual international conference and trade show to Orlando in 2007. Set for Oct. 7-11, the event will take place at the Gaylord Palms Hotel and Conference Center.

"We, as a board, have decided that we need to try a new direction in order to continue to offer the high-quality educational offerings that improve our industry as a whole," says SMTA Board President, David Raby. "This move is not without some sadness at leaving Chicago for the time being, but we also look forward to greeting past attendees and new attendees alike in Orlando next fall."

According to Raby the move will allow SMTA to direct any profits from the show back into the industry it represents. "As a nonprofit association, we're not in the business of making money," Raby says. "We are committed to making this an event that will not only be valuable for conference and show attendees, but also one that will help continue to fund further education and member benefits for the SMTA."

For additional information, visit www.smta.org.