The 62nd Annual Conference for Protective Relay Engineers was held in College Station, Texas, USA, and was hosted by Texas A&M University.

In his Welcome address the conference Chair Prof. B. Don Russell writes:

"For 62 years the Annual Conference for Protective Relay Engineers has provided the best available information on protective relay applications and technology. With the changes that have occurred in the electric power industry and with the business emphasis on efficiency and cost savings, the relay conference is even more important than ever.

Engineers tell me that they have far less time today to familiarize themselves with available equipment and systems and must rely more than ever on manufacturers and outside contractors. This means that the networking and concentrated information that is provided by our relay conference is critical to helping protection engineers understand new protection concepts, advances in equipment, and problems that have occurred in the application of systems and devices. Engineers interested in the design, application, and operation of protective relay systems and equipment will be challenged by a wide range of papers, panels, and discussion forums that will help them do their jobs better!

The planning committee of the conference works closely with representatives from manufacturing companies and operating utilities to select papers and presentations that are both practical and educational. Special tutorials are presented that provide new engineers with the basics and fundamentals. Utility presentations give application information that represents a valuable supplement to manufacturers' specifications. At every level the planning committee seeks to strike a balance between innovative concepts and practical solutions to current problems.

We are very happy you have joined us for this important event. It is our hope that the Conference for Protective Relay Engineers at Texas A&M University will be added to your annual calendar on a permanent basis."

The conference was preceded by a day of tutorials and manufacturers' presentations on the latest advances in power system protection and control technologies.

Forty six papers were presented in paper or breakout sessions held at the J. Earl Rudder Theatre or the Memorial Student Center. The papers covered practical aspects of generator, distribution and transmission protection, as well as the analysis of system events, testing and communications.

In the evening the attendees visited the hospitality suites at the College Station Hilton, where they could see and discuss the latest products provided by protection and control equipment and tools manufacturers.