Originally scheduled for 2020 and postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 World Adhesive and Sealant Conference is set for April 25-27 at the Hilton Chicago in Chicago, Ill. Adhesives and sealants professionals from around the world will finally be able to gather together over three days and learn about the latest advances the industry has to offer while reconnecting with their colleagues and making new contacts.


Technical Sessions

Attendees will experience a wide range of perspectives as presenters from global companies participate in WAC2022’s educational program, which is organized into concurrent tracks that each feature multiple speakers. Technical sessions begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, with tracks focusing on Global Drivers and Trends-Feedstocks to Markets; Regulatory; Henkel Sustainability Across the Value Chain; and Silane-Terminated Hybrid Polymers. Tuesday afternoon’s tracks will include Applications in Building & Construction, an industry panel on Supply and Demand During Volatile Times, Bio-Based and Bio-Inspired Materials; and Hot-Melt Technology for Packaging and Hygiene.

Beginning at 10 a.m., Wednesday’s morning tracks will include the Art of Successful Global M&A-Value Creation, Risks, Enabling Insights; Innovation Awards and Innovative Solutions; Circular Economy and Sustainable Strategies; and High-Performing Structural Adhesives. Tracks on Wednesday afternoon will explore Adhesives as Enablers in E-Mobility, Reactive Polyurethane Materials, Sustainable Materials and Processes, and Dispersions and Emulsion Technology.


Additional Learning Opportunities

WAC2022 will offer both a Hot Melt Short Course and an Emerging Leaders Workshop (separate registration required). The short course, which will be held all day Monday and on Tuesday morning, is designed for those involved with selecting formulating, or implementing hot-melt adhesive technology. Industry experts will present formulation strategies based on application and performance requirements for a variety of hot-melt adhesive markets.

Monday’s Emerging Leaders Workshop will be led by Trish Brandt, Weatherhead affiliate instructor and founder and president of Brandt Consulting LLC. The workshop is intended for leaders with two or more years of experience in managing people, projects, or initiatives. These early- to mid-career technologists or managers will learn strategies for: developing logical, data-driven solutions to business and organization problems; identifying key business issues; reaching consensus about the nature of the problem to be solved; and much more.


Insightful Keynotes

Throughout WAC2022, leading voices in the adhesive and sealant industry will share their insights with numerous keynote addresses. During the opening ceremony on Monday, Jim Owens, president and CEO of H.B. Fuller Co., will discuss “Connecting What Matters: The Future of the Adhesives Industry.” Owens will review the future of the industry in a post-pandemic environment, exploring how technologies and bonding applications that were originally quite unrelated are becoming more closely integrated and even unified as they develop and advance.

During Tuesday morning’s general session keynote, Vincent Legros, Bostik’s chairman and CEO, will address “Adhesives and Sealants Facing the Rising Trend of Sustainability: Risks and Opportunities.” He will explore increasing global sustainability-related concerns and their impact on our industry, including opportunities to increase the overall penetration of innovative solutions.

Jayshree Seth, Ph.D., corporate scientist and chief science advocate at 3M, will share her thoughts on “Sticking with Science! The Need for STEM Advocacy” during the Tuesday general session lunch keynote. She will share results of the “3M State of Science Index,” relating details regarding 3M’s current activities to address the findings and sharing a call to action for the industry.

The general session keynote on Wednesday morning will be given by Nicolas Krauss, divisional head of Industrials and Electronics and regional head of Americas for Henkel Adhesive Technologies. With a focus on “Shaping the Future of Adhesive Technologies,” he will give an overview on the industry’s key challenges and opportunities, including discussions on sustainability, digitization, innovation, supply chain resilience, and talent management.

Harry Moser, founder and president of the Reshoring Initiative®, will give the final keynote during Wednesday’s general session lunch. He will discuss “Supply Chain Lessons from COVID-19 for Adhesive and Sealants®.”


Products, Technologies, and Community

Key industry suppliers will be on hand during the EXPO to share details regarding their latest products and technologies. Be sure to attend the EXPO and reception on Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. to meet with exhibitors and network with colleagues.

WAC2022 will also feature numerous additional networking opportunities, including breakfasts, lunches, and coffee lounges. In addition, Monday evening’s welcome reception will feature a Taste of Chicago and Cabaret Casino Night. Registration is required for this event, which will be held from 7-10 p.m.

The ASC Gives Back Community Service Project will meet Wednesday morning from 7:15-11:15 a.m. This year’s project will involve assembling care packs for local veterans and story time kits for Chicago’s youth.

WAC2022 will come to an end during the closing ceremonies on Wednesday evening from 6-10 p.m. This Great Gatsby-themed gala dinner will feature live entertainment and an announcement focusing on WAC2026.


View Schedule for 2022 World Adhesive and Sealant Conference

2022 World Adhesive and Sealant Conference: EXPO and Floor Plan

For registration and complete details, visit https://wac2022.org.

Note: Opening image courtesy of lhongfoto via www.gettyimages.com.