The global COVID-19 pandemic has made it challenging for the industry to come together at traditional trade shows, meetings, and other events. The ongoing crisis and evolving safety guidelines prompted The Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) to pivot multiple times throughout the year, ultimately developing a Virtual Convention and EXPO that will be held November 4-6. The entirely online event will offer a short course, live keynote speakers, dozens of education sessions, an interactive exhibition, and many networking opportunities.
“We’ve been pulling the industry together more than 60 years, and a global pandemic is not going to stop us from doing that,” said Bill Allmond, president of the ASC in a video message.
Adhesive Science Virtual Short Course
Co-located with the annual convention, a virtual Adhesive Science Short Course will be held November 2-4. With live Q&A and the opportunity to download presentations, the short course is suitable for a range of technical participants, from industry newcomers to experienced scientists. The intensive course will focus on the foundation needed to excel in the development, manufacture, and use of adhesives and sealants, regardless of technology type or chemistry.
Experts from industry and academia will present on a range of topics, kicking off with an “Introduction to Adhesive Markets & Technologies” and finishing with “Automated Adhesive Dispensing” on the last day. The short course will also feature break-out sessions after the last presentation on Wednesday.
Learning Opportunities
The convention will include two live video keynotes, as well as more than 40 educational sessions. These sessions will be similar to live webinars, offering Q&A and presentation downloads, as well as interactive networking such as real-time chat, discussion forums, and integrated 1:1 video meetings.
The program kicks off at 9 a.m. on Wednesday with an opening keynote by Janine Driver of JD Consulting. A body language expert, Driver will discuss “You Say More than You Think: Body Language & Statement Analysis Secrets for the A&S Industry.”
Education sessions are arranged in three tracks on each day. Wednesday’s tracks include Feedstocks and Technology Trends, Applications in the Field, and Automotive & Structural Applications. A sampling of presentations scheduled for Wednesday includes “Adhesives in Sustainable Consumer Goods” by H.B. Fuller’s Susan McNichols; “High Damping Weld Bond Adhesive for Automotive Applications” by Steve Howe of Sunstar Engineering Americas, Inc.; and “A Guide for Selection of Engineered Synthetic Silica to Improve Performance of Structural Adhesives” by Joe Abrantes of Evonik Corp.
Thursday’s schedule will begin at 9 a.m. with Allmond giving an ASC Membership Update & Innovation Awards Presentation. The tracks on Thursday will be Building & Construction Market and Materials, Innovation Awards, and Trends & Market Drivers in Electric Vehicles. Presentations on Thursday will discuss issues such as “Formulation Optimization of ASTM C834 Caulk through Novel Ester Technologies in Ethylene Based Polymers” by Sean Neuenfeldt of Hallstar and “Next Generation Battery Trends for Transport Targeting Lower Cost and Longer Range” by KeraCel Inc.’s Nad Karim.
The general session keynote on Friday morning (9 a.m.) will be given by economist Robert Fry, who will provide an “Economic Outlook.” (To get an idea of what Fry will discuss, listen to our podcast with him; visit the Bonding with ASI page.)
Friday’s tracks will include Business Transformation Strategies; Digitalization and Generational Workforce, Formulating Materials & Methods, and Regulatory. Some of the topics scheduled to be discussed on Friday are “Managing Emotions & Expectations through Change” by personality science expert Twila Kaye Heiselman; “Mind the Water: A Discussion on Calcium Carbonate for the Adhesives and Sealants Industry” by Andrea Battisti of Omya International; and “Election 2020: What to Expect from Washington After the Vote” by ASC’s Allmond.
Dynamic EXPO Opportunities
The 2020 ASC Annual EXPO will be held from 2-5 p.m. for all three days of the virtual convention (see the Exhibitors List). The EXPO provides attendees with access to leading suppliers, technologies, and solutions in the adhesive and sealant market. It is open to all suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers in the industry.
The ASC is offering multiple interactive features for the virtual EXPO. In addition to visiting virtual exhibitor spaces to access the latest innovations, products, and services in the industry, attendees will have access to videos, product collateral, and company contact information. Attendees will also have the ability to arrange for real-time chat meetings and 1:1 video meetings with company representatives to discuss their specific application needs in depth.
Virtual Networking
Even though we won’t be able to meet in person, the ASC has developed several virtual networking opportunities to enable attendees to make new connections and interact with peers and colleagues. A networking lounge will be held every day during the scheduled coffee break at 10 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to interact through audio, video, or chat. Similarly, attendees are welcome to network during the hour-long lunch break each day.
A virtual Happy Hour will commence each day after the EXPO ends at around 5 p.m. Attendees can share their favorite cocktails and casual drinks via audio or video while chatting with exhibitors and other attendees. At the closing happy hour on Friday, ASC staff and board members will recap the week’s events and share details regarding the World Adhesive and Sealant Conference, scheduled for April 2021.
To register and for additional details, visit www.ascouncil.org.
