Next generation of plastics professionals at SPE ANTEC 2016

Around 1,400 industry professionals attended the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) ANTEC® 2016 conference, making ANTEC once again the world’s largest plastics technology conference. Among these attendees was a contingent of young professionals and students whose participation in ANTEC events was particularly noteworthy, according to SPE officials.

A total of 550 original, peer-reviewed technical presentations were shown by industry experts during the event, covering every sector of the plastics industry.  SPE received consistently positive feedback on the technical program, plenary sessions, and networking opportunities, according to  Wim DeVos, CEO of SPE.

ANTEC 2016 took place May 22-25 in Indianapolis,  with SPE’s Industry Awards Gala as one of the highlights.. Attended by 150 people, the Gala included the annual presentation of awards for outstanding contributions to the plastics industry. This year there were four honorees: Dr. Samuel Kenig (The SPE International Award); Frank Macher (Business Management Award); Dr. Tim Osswald (The Fred E. Schwab Education Award); and Dr. Gregory Campbell (The Research/Engineering Technology Award).

SPE’s growing emphasis on cultivating the next generation of plastics professionals was evidenced by special activities for young professionals and students. These included Pilot Our Future, a program to help participants determine the best career directions; Plastics University, an interactive “museum” in which companies exhibited technologies that drive innovation; a Speed Interview Session; a Student Luncheon, and other events.

In addition to the special events, throughout ANTEC 2016 there was more interaction between young attendees and established industry professionals than at any previous ANTEC, noted Mr. DeVos.  Concurrent with the ANTEC technical sessions were exhibits by more than 75 industry companies.

SPE will celebrate its 75th anniversary at the next ANTEC in 2017. It will take place on May 8-10 at the Hilton Anaheim in Anaheim, California. More than 35% of the exhibit floor at that event has been sold already.