The Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) recently announced that it will serve as the official host of the 10th World Adhesive and Sealant Conference (WAC), which is scheduled for April 20-22, 2020, in Chicago. Serving as co-hosts are the Asia Regional Adhesive Council (ARAC) and FEICA, the Association of the European Adhesive and Sealant Industry. 

“Because the World Adhesive and Sealant Conference brings together the worldwide industry—manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, service providers, and academia—in one place over the course of three days, it is truly unique and impactful,” said Bill Allmond, ASC president. “There is no other conference like it.”

This global conference is held once every four years, rotating between Asia, Europe, and North America. The theme in 2020 will be “Securing the Future.”

“Over the last decade, our industry has seen significant growth both here in the U.S. and around the world,” said Brian McSwigan, vice president of Pressure Sensitive Adhesives at Henkel Corp. and chair of the ASC. “Business opportunities across our industry’s markets have been driven by innovation, efficiency improvements and strong leadership. While the future outlook is favorable, there continue to be concerns about international trade, raw material costs, skilled labor, and government regulation. These challenges are felt globally and require increased focus within our industry.”

WAC2020 will feature keynotes from the industry’s leading companies and a two-day program with more than 80 speakers presenting on a variety of important topics, such as sustainability, adhesives and raw materials development, key feedstocks, global regulatory developments, market disruptors, end user business needs, and mergers and acquisitions, among others. Each region—Asia, Europe, and North America—will provide its own unique viewpoint and updates, providing attendees with a valuable opportunity to learn more about the latest adhesive and sealant developments taking place across the globe. In addition, the WAC Expo will be held on April 21 and will feature more than 130 exhibitors.

“On behalf of The Adhesive and Sealant Council, our co-hosts and co-promoters, and the U.S. adhesive and sealant industry, we are honored to welcome the global community to WAC 2020 and look forward to seeing you in Chicago,” Allmond said. 

WAC2020 will take the place of ASC’s Annual Spring Convention and Expo, which is held each April. For more information, visit https://wac2020.org. ASC can be found online at www.ascouncil.org.