Senior leaders from the adhesive and sealant industry will gather this summer for the Adhesive and Sealant Council's (ASC) 2026 Executive Leadership Conference, which is set to take place June 15–17 in Park City, Utah. Tailored to both business discussions and relationship building, the annual event will provide attendees with focused leadership content, engaging keynote presentations, and peer-to-peer networking in a relaxed and welcoming setting. 

Hosted at Pendry Park City, the two-and-a-half-day conference will offer opportunities to learn new approaches to management challenges, collaborate with peers in one-on-one dialogues and group discussions, and grow professional networks. 

Leadership-Focused Program 

Unlike broader industry events, the Executive Leadership Conference is curated for top decision-makers within the industry. Programming is designed to address high-level management challenges while fostering candid dialogue among peers. 

Attendees can expect a lineup of speakers who will provide insight into leadership strategies, market dynamics, and the direction of the adhesives and sealants industry. The roster of speakers includes: 

Leadership Through Change: Former professional athlete Kurt David of Change Like a Champion will discuss how change is constant and how successfully leading others through it can be a game changer for organizations. In his session, David will share practical, research-backed strategies for guiding teams through transformation using purposeful leadership and clear communication. Attendees will learn how to confidently embrace change and lead effectively in an increasingly dynamic business environment. 

Navigating Your Markets: Jeremy Bess and Patrick Luce, economists at Stantec's Market Economics Insights, will discuss how to navigate today's complex market environment. In an era of information overload and conflicting headlines, this session will provide data-driven insights and expert perspectives to help attendees cut through the noise and better understand current economic conditions. It will translate key microeconomic forces impacting the adhesives and sealants industry into practical guidance for informed, day-to-day decision-making and future planning. 

Buy-Side M&A: Jeff Oravitz, former CEO of Seal For Life Industries and MetoKote Corp., will join Dan Murad, president of The ChemQuest Group, for a discussion on the elements that drive success or failure in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). They will examine M&A from the buy-side perspective, covering strategy development, valuation, and buy-and-build approaches. The session will also address integration challenges and key pitfalls that can impact overall deal success. 

Future-Proofing Your Business with AI: Liz Andert, digital customer experience director at H.B. Fuller, will discuss how to apply AI within business operations. This session will outline the key steps to building an AI-ready foundation, along with real-world use cases already transforming the industry. She will share a strategic roadmap and actionable insights to adopt AI responsibly and drive competitive advantage in the era of intelligent manufacturing. 

Economic and Policy Update: Alex Chausovsky, president of 3DM Analytics and Consulting LLC, will provide an overview of the economic and policy landscape for 2026. This presentation will evaluate the current macroeconomic environment and offer practical guidance to help attendees plan for the future. Attendees will gain insights into key economic indicators and leave with tools to support data-driven decision-making. 

ASC Industry Pulse: Scott Hackathorne, president of Industry Insight, will present a snapshot of current conditions and an outlook for the future. Hackathorne will share key findings from the latest ASC Industry Pulse Study, highlighting business conditions, challenges, and perspectives across the industry. 

Also returning this year is the Executive Exchange, led by Bill Allmond, president of ASC. This peer-to-peer open forum will provide attendees with top-of-mind discussion topics and the opportunity to share perspectives. With ongoing disruption across the industry, this session offers leaders a chance to exchange ideas and experiences in a candid and collaborative environment. Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with insights to share. 

Built-in Networking Opportunities 

Networking remains a cornerstone of the Executive Leadership Conference, with multiple structured and informal opportunities built into the agenda. 

The event will kick off with an Opening Reception and Dinner on Monday evening, giving attendees an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and establish new relationships in a relaxed environment. Additional networking opportunities include daily breakfasts and lunches, allowing for continued conversation around the day’s sessions. A highlight of the program is the Chair's Reception and Dinner, which will feature the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees. An important industry tradition, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the adhesives and sealants industry. 

In keeping with its retreat-style format, the 2026 conference integrates outdoor and recreational activities designed to foster informal networking and team building. Tuesday afternoon will feature an axe throwing tournament, promoting collaboration and friendly competition. On Wednesday afternoon, attendees can choose between a golf outing at the Canyons Golf Course at Park City Mountain Resort or an off-road Jeep tour through the rugged and scenic Wasatch Mountain backcountry. 

Events planned for guests and spouses include a meet-and-greet on Monday evening prior to the opening reception and dinner, as well as a relaxation and spa day on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Spouses and guests are also invited to participate in the golf outing or Jeep tour on Wednesday afternoon. 

Nestled in Utah's spectacular Wasatch Mountains, this year's Executive Leadership Conference promises to be a must-attend event for industry leaders. 

To learn more and to register for the 2026 ASC Leadership Conference, visit www.ascouncil.org/events.