3M recently announced it will host a Transportation Manufacturers Summit on September 14 in Elkhart, IN. The summit will feature technical seminars, product demonstrations, and an Innovation Fair to connect transportation engineers with solutions to challenges in aspects including weight reduction, aesthetics, productivity, passenger comfort, safety, sustainability and water intrusion.

The day will begin with a keynote speech from Joe Thompson, president of Roush CleanTech. Thompson is a nationally recognized expert in the fleet vehicle and propane fuel industries. John Waters, president of Waters & Associates, will also present a keynote speech during the summit. Waters is currently consulting on several sustainability initiatives throughout the country, and most recently led a $2 billion sustainability business plan for the energy supply and transportation sectors.

Four Tech Talks will also be presented over the course of the day, highlighting solutions for engineers, designers and manufacturers of specialty vehicles. Topics will include Replacing Mechanical Fasteners in Transportation Applications, Advances in Composite Materials, Advancements in Lighting Technologies, and Paint Shop Productivity Improvements.

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit the 3M Innovation Fair at several points during the day to speak with 3M representatives and enjoy exclusive access to new 3M products and technologies. Recent acquisitions will also be showcased, including Nida-Core Structural Honeycomb materials, which provide weight reduction options and acoustical and vibration dampening.

For more information or to register, visit www.3M.com/SpecialtyVehicle.