The Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) has officially announced the new dates and location of the 10th World Adhesive and Sealant Conference (WAC). With the theme of “Securing Our Future,” WAC 2021 will be held April 19-21 at the Hilton Chicago in Chicago, Ill. Serving as co-hosts are the Asia Regional Adhesive Council and FEICA, the Association of the European Adhesive and Sealant Industry.

WAC is held once every four years, rotating between Asia, Europe, and North America. The conference was originally scheduled for April 2020 but postponed due to COVID-19.

“Because the World Adhesive and Sealant Conference is supported by and 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’s president. “There is no other conference like it.”

“While we recognize the difficulties experienced in 2020, the World Adhesive and Sealant Conference, now scheduled for April 2021, will be a great way to reconnect to industry colleagues and gain valuable knowledge and insight to navigate the ‘new normal,’” said Brian McSwigan, vice president of Business Development for Packaging Adhesives at Henkel Corp. and chair of ASC. “There will continue to be significant opportunities across our industry’s markets driven by innovation, efficiency improvements and strong leadership. With the future outlook somewhat uncertain, there will continue to be concerns about international trade, raw material costs, government regulations, as well as public health. These challenges are felt globally and require increased focus within our industry.”

WAC 2021 will feature keynotes from the industry’s leading companies and a full two-day program with more than 90 speakers presenting on 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 a unique viewpoint, providing attendees with a valuable opportunity to learn more about the latest developments taking place across the globe. In addition, the WAC EXPO will be held on April 20 and will feature more than 130 exhibitors.

“On behalf of The Adhesive and Sealant Council, our international co-hosts and co-promoters, and the U.S. adhesive and sealant industry, we are honored to welcome the global community to WAC 2021 and look forward to seeing you in Chicago,” Allmond said.

For more information, visit www.wac2021.net.