Industry professionals will be exposed to new trends, technologies and topical expertise at the Adhesive and Sealant Council’s (ASC) Fall Convention & Expo, which will take place next month at the Hilton Minneapolis in Minneapolis. The event will take a new Monday-Wednesday format (vs. the usual Sunday-Tuesday schedule) and will be held October 21-23.

“The ASC Fall Convention will feature a perfect blend of what we know is our historical value, and new ways to add value to the attendee experience,” says ASC President Matthew E. Croson.

Discover

Attendees can advance their industry knowledge at any of the concurrent technical sessions that will be held during the fall convention. Sessions will focus on new technologies, business development, market growth, regulatory issues and more. In addition, a delegation from the Chinese Adhesives and Tape Industry Association will be participating in the educational program.

The morning education sessions on Tuesday, October 22, will be preceded by a general session breakfast and opening keynote address by John Felmy, chief economist at the American Petroleum Institute. Felmy’s presentation, “Energizing America: Facts for Addressing Energy Policy,” will discuss how the Keystone pipeline and increased drilling may impact oil markets and the petrochemical industries.

H.B. Fuller President and CEO Jim Owens will lead the general session breakfast and keynote on Wednesday, October 23. “Value Creation Through Adhesive Technology” will review the ways in which adhesives and sealants create value, as well as the importance of taking risks with new solutions and technologies.

During Wednesday’s closing session, University of Minnesota Director and Senior Fellow Steve Kelley will explore green chemistry ideas in “Innovation and Collaboration in Green Chemistry Research, Education and Policy: Implications for the Boardroom.” 

On October 21 and 22, a comprehensive Hot Melt Short Course will be led by formulation and application experts. The course will highlight the advantages of hot melts when it comes to meeting specific customer requirements, and attendees will learn how to optimize formulations and analyze their properties. Course participants will be able to attend the Expo at no additional charge.

Connect

The ASC Expo, which will take place on Tuesday, October 22, will feature an expanded show floor with more than 70 supplier exhibits. Exclusive Expo hours will provide attendees with a chance to chat face-to-face with exhibitors, learn more about the latest industry trends and products, network at the exhibitor appreciation reception, and win door prizes. More than 550 industry professionals are expected to attend.

The fall convention will also offer exciting new opportunities for lunchtime networking on both Tuesday and Wednesday. A new Speed Networking Lunch will take place on Tuesday after the morning education sessions. At the hour-long event, attendees will be able to make up to six new business contacts over the course of the meal. On Wednesday, ASC members will be able to catch up with one another and learn about the council’s latest developments during the Membership Update Lunch.

For the first time, attendees will be able to download an ASC mobile app to review technical session information, organize schedules and connect with other industry professionals. Other networking opportunities at the convention will include a fun run/walk and a golf outing at Rush Creek Golf Club on Monday, October 21.