International trade and new developments in science and technology are having a profound effect on the adhesives industry, impacting both the variety of adhesives available on the market and the manner in which they are produced. Leading experts will discuss these and other issues at the Adhesive and Sealant Council's 2004 Spring Convention & Expo, April 18-21, 2004, in Cleveland, OH. Patricia Panchak, Editor-in-Chief of IndustryWeek magazine, will discuss the intense competition from China and other low-cost countries that has forced U.S. manufacturers to transform their companies from high-labor-cost, low-technology product providers to high-technology, high intellectual property content solutions providers. Panchek will speak on Tuesday, April 20, at 7:30 a.m. Michael George of George Group Consulting describes Lean Six Sigma, the philosophy and implementation methodology for maximizing business growth and economic profit. George will discuss the creation of shareholder value through application of process improvement initiatives on Monday, April 19, at 8:00 a.m.

For more information, visit http://www.ascouncil.org or call (301) 986-9700.