In-Depth Learning

Four keynote speakers will present topical addresses on the most critical issues faced by the industry. The convention’s program schedule sessions will also feature more than 40 experts who will speak on a variety of relevant topics broken into three tracks daily: a Technology/Application session, a Business Development/Market Trends session, and a Government Regulations/Technical session.

During the Monday morning General Session Breakfast, Martin Regalia, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will present “Economic Outlook 2012.” This talk will delve into all aspects of the economy, including unemployment, inflation, the debt crisis, consumption, and how this recession compares to previous events. Regalia, who served as the director of research for the Savings and Community Bankers of America prior to coming to the Chamber in 1993, will also predict the future status of the U.S. economy.

Tuesday’s Annual Membership Breakfast speaker will be Tim Brooke, vice president of ASTM International in Certification, Training and Proficiency Testing. During “ASTM International: Providing Industry Solutions,” Brooke will discuss the organization’s solutions for preparing professionals to meet new expectations for industry standards. Current solutions include e-learning modules, instructor lead training, and the development of product category rules for verifying environmental product declarations.

Kenneth Yarosh, global line service manager for Dow Corning Corp., will present the keynote address for Tuesday’s general session lunch. As the 2012 Chairman of the Board for ASTM International, Yarosh has plenty of insight into “Sealants and Standards: A Long History in the Making.” He will share these insights and his thoughts on the future direction of the industry.

Tuesday’s Closing Session will feature “The Future of Global Packaging” with Sarah Eckersley, global research and development director at the Dow Chemical Co. Eckersley, who is responsible for the development and implementation of technology for Dow’s Performance Packaging business, will close the convention by discussing how current market trends such as consumerism and sustainability have changed packaging applications.

New in 2012
Two new additions for the convention will include the Advanced Technology Link and the Transportation Focus within the Business Development and Market Trends track. At the Advanced Technology Link, eight research institutions will display the latest technologies and research that are currently undergoing development for the adhesives and sealants market. In addition, engineers and other automotive industry professionals (including formulators) will lend their perspective to the Transportation educational sessions. End users will include General Motors, Harman-Becker Automotive and global intelligence provider IHS Global Insight.

“A focus on the future is always a priority at ASC events, and the Advanced Technology Link and Transportation Track will provide scientific research and customer

perspectives that can drive innovation,” notes Matthew E. Croson, president, ASC. “The eight Advanced Technology Link sessions and the three Transportation Track speakers will join more than 30 presenters that will round out a strong Fall Convention and Expo.”

Supplier/Manufacturer Expo
The ASC Fall Expo will take place from 4-7 p.m. on October 22. More than 400 suppliers, manufacturers and service providers from all levels and areas of the industry are expected to attend. Visitors will have a chance to network with potential buyers, discuss industry challenges, and discover new innovations. During the event, a Kindle Fire, Apple iPad and Nook Tablets will be raffled off. A reception will start at 6 p.m.

Caulks and Sealants Short Course 
On October 21 and 22, the Caulks and Sealants Short Course (which is offered once every three years) will offer sessions covering silicones, acrylics, polyurethanes, surfactants, plasticizers, testing, and more. Three new presentations will also cover design considerations, new building restoration standards, and discoloration challenges in elastomeric joint sealants. A Market and Application Overview, given by Dave Nick of DPNA International, will kick off the short course.

The Short Course is intended to demonstrate the usefulness of caulks and sealants in a variety of applications. Attendees will benefit from two new presentations: a hands-on exhibit that explores design considerations and considers best practices for joint applications and a presentation delineating new building restoration standards for vertical wall assemblies. Technical personnel, sales and marketing staff, entry-level chemists, and application engineers are encouraged to attend.

Additional Events
A golf outing at Fuzzy Zoeller’s Covered Bridge Golf Club, a First-Time Attendees and New Members Reception, a Sunday Welcome Reception and a CEO Lunch will round out the program for the ASC Fall Convention and Expo. “This event will help guide decision making with ASC member companies and throughout the industry, as leaders will provide data, viewpoints and commentary that can be leveraged after the convention,” notes Croson. “We look forward to seeing the entire adhesives and sealants supply chain this fall in Kentucky.”

For additional details, visit www.ascouncil.org/industry/conventions/FC12.cfm.