Centro Inox (The Italian Stainless Steel Development Association) has organised a seminar in Bologna during the afternoon of 7 February on the use of stainless steel in street furniture. It will form part of the Europolis event, an exhibition of street furniture to be held at the Bologna Fiera from 7–10 February 2002. The aim of the seminar is to bring together producers of components intended for street furniture and the users, such as for example local governments, which are focusing increasingly on policies to restrict maintenance costs. The choice of the material is a decisive factor in this respect and stainless steel has become increasingly popular in recent years, demonstrating both high mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, thus enabling durable items that do not require maintenance to be produced. The topics of the seminar, to be held during the afternoon of 7 February, include stainless steel components, combining needs and functional needs, durability and strength, and the Life Cycle Cost concept. A debate will follow. For further details contact: Centro Inox, Piazza Velasca 10, 20122 Milan, Italy. Tel. +39 02 8645 0559 or +39 02 8645 0569, fax +39 02 860986.