The Adhesive and Sealant Council Inc. (ASC) recently reported that a record 480 adhesive and sealant supply chain professionals participated in the Fall Convention and Expo, held October 18-20 in Indianapolis, IN. ASC member companies, industry supply chain partners, and affiliated suppliers took part in the 46 business sessions that focused on emerging formulation trends, raw material strategies, end user requirements, and government regulations. In addition, 55 companies shared industry innovations and connected with manufacturer attendees at the expo.

The PSA Short Course was also co-located at the convention, where 55 engineers, chemists, sales and marketing staff from manufacturers, raw material, and equipment suppliers learned about pressure-sensitive adhesives.

“The industry is responding to the current business cycle by focusing on product innovation and relationship development in order to position itself for future growth,” said Matthew E. Croson, president. “This third consecutive attendance record is a strong indicator of an industry that is focused, disciplined, and very importantly, optimistic about its future.”

This fall’s convention featured 46 speakers from Walmart-Canada; John Deere; Kingspan Insulated Panels; General Motors; Chemical Market Associates; ICIS Chemical Business; Underwriters Laboratories; Environmental Protection Agency; National Institute of Standards and Technology; Sealing, Waterproofing and Restoration Institute; Post Carbon Institute; University of Chicago; and other supply chain leaders.

“The industry gathers only twice a year, for a total of five days, and spends that time fully engaged while learning from thought leaders up and down the adhesive and sealant supply chain,” Croson said. “On behalf of the ASC Board of Directors, the program committee and all of the council’s sponsors and expo participants, thank you for making both of this year’s industry gathering events memorable and full of value.”

During the Membership Report, ASC members unanimously voted two new members to the Board of Directors: Mark Schneider, president of Albion Engineering and Steve Harms, senior vice president of Sika Corp. Schneider and Harms will serve three-year terms, beginning January 1, 2012.

In addition, the board voted to add Mark Siebert, vice president and general manager of Kraton Polymers to its Executive Committee. He will serve a two-year, non-renewable term, beginning January 1, 2012, as the supplier representative.

For more information, visit www.ascouncil.org.