The annual FEICA European Adhesive and Sealant Conference and Expo, which takes place September 12-14 in Riga, Latvia, will allow industry leaders to come together to examine the latest challenges and developments in adhesives and sealants, as well as the implications of wider trends in the economy and society. The annual conference attracts more than 500 industry professionals, who discuss market drivers, regulatory developments, industry trends, innovative solutions and technological advancements. In addition, the conference provides a platform for keynote speakers, including thought leaders on topics such as economics, sustainability, innovation and futurology, as well as senior representatives from the European Commission.

The Digital Age

This year’s conference will focus on the impact on our industry of the rapid and far-reaching changes resulting from the digital age. In the opening plenary session, “The FEICA Business Forum,” expert keynote speakers will explore the potential impact of the digital age on business and strive to identify practical strategies that will help adhesive and sealant companies to succeed in this new era.

Speakers will examine how the growth of the internet and digital technologies will inevitably lead to ever-tighter integration between our personal lives, public services, and industry. This coming tidal wave will affect the way business and even society operates. In this context, industry is already at the dawn of “Industry 4.0,” which brings together automation and previously unseen levels of data exchange in manufacturing. This is achieved using cyber-physical systems, the internet of things (IoT), cloud computing and cognitive computing based on artificial intelligence.

Digitization can bring many benefits to business. For example, a company’s R&D process is often long and inefficient. Digitization allows for building an end-to-end community with all stakeholders and exploiting that community much more fully and quickly. Thus, the voice of the market can be brought in much earlier to deliver faster, more comprehensive and beneficial collaboration.

However, digitization also brings with it significant challenges. Data protection and privacy are becoming increasingly important; hence, it is essential that all organizations take measures now to prepare for these challenges. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into force on May 25, aims to give control over personal data back to citizens and residents and to simplify the regulatory environment for international business by unifying the regulation within the EU. It gives citizens new “digital rights” and has severe non-compliance penalties of up to €20 million (~ $24.6 million), or 4% of annual global turnover (whichever is higher), as well as damages and loss of reputation.

In addition to the Business Forum, the conference’s Breakout Sessions will again feature experts who will share their knowledge of sustainability, regulatory affairs, innovation, new opportunities, research and development, new product and market applications, new equipment technology, and the circular economy. These sessions allow delegates to get maximum benefit from the conference by attending only those sessions that are pertinent to their specific business needs.

The Exhibition

The Table Top Exhibition provides an opportunity for all manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and service providers linked to the adhesives and sealants industry to promote their latest and most impressive developments. This year, more than 600 participants from around the globe are expected to participate.

For more information or to register, visit www.feica-conferences.com.