I would like to welcome you personally to my home, Dallas, Texas, for the 21st annual Applied Power Electronics Conference. As you know, we were looking forward to an exciting time in New Orleans, but Hurricane Katrina forced us to change our plans at the last minute. We were lucky to find the Hyatt Regency Hotel available, and their recent expansion added some very nice meeting space-even more than we need! Not only do we have an attractive conference facility, but also there are many things to do within easy walking distance in the West End District, and the DART light rail system provides convenient access to even more attractions! I am confident that you and your guests will find APEC 2006 in Dallas both enjoyable and informative.

As the premier power electronics event in the Americas, APEC focuses on the practical and applied aspects of the power electronics business. This is not just a designer's conference; APEC has something of interest for everyone involved in power electronics, including spouses & guests. This year the conference continues with its winning formula: a strong technical program, one of the largest power electronics expositions in the world, and an extensive social program.

The technical program consists of a Plenary Session with six industry leaders addressing the future of power electronics, followed by approximately 200 oral presentations over three days and 80 dialogue presentations covering the latest developments in power electronics-all commercial-free. Industry experts cover topics of particular interest to power-electronics users in four Special Presentation Sessions, and eighteen 3-hour Professional Education Seminars provide continuing education at levels from introductory to advanced.

The Exposition features more than 100 of the leading power-electronics companies showing their latest products and ready to discuss your needs. This three-day event opens with an Exhibitor's Reception for all conference attendees, and includes a greatly expanded program of approximately 30 half-hour Exhibitor Seminars. All this is free with an "Exhibits Only" registration, which also grants access to the Plenary Session, Rap Sessions and MicroMouse Contest!

The social events provide plenty of opportunities to network with old friends and make new ones. The main Social Event is an evening of good food, drink, and some of Texas' best musical entertainment. Following the Exhibitor's Reception is an impressive display of robotics in the MicroMouse Contest, with much larger prizes this year to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Finally, three Rap Sessions allow you to challenge industry leaders on controversial topics in power electronics.

For spouses and guests, Dallas is a fabulous city with numerous opportunities for dining, shopping, and enjoying the arts. APEC 2006 will offer guests a continental welcoming breakfast, tours of local attractions (for a fee), coffee each morning in the guest hospitality room, and free admission to the Exposition, Exhibitor's Reception, Plenary Session, Rap Sessions and MicroMouse Contest.

Finally I must thank the 23 volunteers on the APEC 2006 Conference Committee who have contributed endless hours over the past year to create the high-quality, vibrant event you have come to expect from APEC. My thanks go also to the three conference sponsors, and the staff of Courtesy Associates who take care of countless details to make things run smoothly.

Thank you for your participation, and we look forward to seeing you at APEC 2006!

Van Niemela General Chair