"We typically rotate through cities like Chicago, Boston and Toronto," said Keith Syberg, conference chairman.

"We're looking for five to eight cities we could rotate through, and they've done a real nice job," he said of the Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"A lot of cities either don't offer much help or are just there when you ask for help. These guys have been full-blown, integrated committee members in helping put this on."

Pat Frew, bureau spokesman, said the five-day conference is expected to draw more than 1,100 people from Oct. 18 to 22 and is estimated to bring $1.1 million in spending into the region.

Syberg, principal in a Columbus, Ind., executive search firm, said last year's conference drew a record 1,400 conventioneers to Toronto, and he expects the Northern Kentucky event to approach that figure.

The association, which has upward of 4,000 members in a dozen countries, held its first convention in Cincinnati 20 years ago but hasn't been back to the area since.

The 20-year-old group comprises manufacturing managers and others interested in so-called "lean'' manufacturing techniques, which reduce costs by reducing waste and streamlining processes.

During the conference, the association will sponsor 30 tours at area companies such as Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, Ky., Procter & Gamble Co., GE Transportation, Mazak Corp. in Florence and Miller Brewing Co. in Trenton.

Another highlight of this year's convention will be a debate moderated by television talk-show host Larry King on the outsourcing of American jobs and technology overseas.

E-mail mboyer@enquirer.com