FEATURE

By Karen Parker, Editor-in-Chief, ASI

The Adhesive and Sealant Council’s Annual Conference and EXPO offers opportunities to learn, network, and see the latest innovations.

The adhesive and sealant industry is gathering in Louisville, Kentucky, for the Adhesive and Sealant Council’s 2024 Annual Convention and EXPO. The three-day event takes place April 15-17, 2024, at the Omni Louisville Hotel. It will offer concurrent sessions covering topics such as regulatory issues, market-disrupting technologies, sustainable practices, manufacturing technology, and new and advanced technologies and applications in the adhesives and sealants sector. Attendees can look forward to hearing engaging speakers during the conference and seeing the latest industry innovations at the EXPO.

Among the many highlights of the event is the afternoon EXPO and Reception, which will take place Tuesday, April 16 from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. Exhibitors from over 90 companies will be exhibiting their materials, equipment, services, and packaging products tailored to the adhesive and sealant industry. One of the largest expositions exclusively dedicated to the adhesive and sealant industry, the EXPO offers attendees a chance to find solutions to their sourcing and application needs. It is an excellent way to connect with many suppliers to the industry, all in one location. Each year, the EXPO features raffles and giveaways, as well as a food and beverage reception that takes place right on the show floor. The EXPO provides attendees an opportunity to meet vendors and discuss needs in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Registration to the convention includes attendance to the EXPO.

This year, attendees at the 2024 Annual Convention will have a chance to hear five engaging and relevant keynote speakers. Chad Foster, business leader and motivational speaker, will give the opening keynote address on Tuesday morning. His talk, “No More Comfort Zones: Growth Through Adversity,” will discuss how obstacles can propel people towards their goals instead of being an impediment. Beyond his personal path of overcoming overwhelming odds, Foster’s record in business gives a unique perspective on now comfort zones can hold people back. He will discuss “how he’s not successful in spite of being blind. He is successful because he’s blind.”

At the General Session Lunch, Bill Allmond, president of the Adhesive and Sealant Council, will present the “ASC Industry Update & Awards Presentation.” Allmond will give a brief update on ASC’s priorities and announce the recipients of the 2024 ASC Innovation Award. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding companies whose innovation makes a significant impact on the marketplace. Following Allmond’s address, attendees can enjoy connecting with peers during a networking break.

On Wednesday morning, Gary Silberg, partner and global automotive sector leader at KPMG LLP, will speak. Silberg’s address, “Future of Transportation — Super Computers on Wheels & Economic Reality,” will provide insights on how the transportation market will change in the coming years with growing technological advances and consumer demands. He will also consider the return on investment of the many new innovations being created for this sector.

At the General Session Keynote and Lunch on Wednesday afternoon, Noelle Russell, leading AI innovator and practitioner, and global AI solutions lead at Accenture, as well as the founder and chief AI officer at the AI Leadership Institute, will discuss how specific industries are evolving with the implementation of generative and applied AI technologies. During her presentation, “The Future of AI in Your Industry,” Russell will share real-life case studies that demonstrate how applied AI models are leveraged to optimize business, create game-changing solutions, and power growth. She will share opportunities presented by AI to organizations, as well as consider the risk and challenges of the technology. This address will provide an excellent starting point to help companies expedite innovation and improve accessibility of AI applications.

Rounding out the list of keynote speakers for the convention is Dr. Bradley Berron, research director at The University of Kentucky’s James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits. Dr. Berron’s address, “Innovations Shaping the Future of Kentucky Bourbon,” will guide attendees through the process that creates the distinct flavor of Kentucky Bourbon and outline the innovations driving the next generation of bourbon production, such as forgotten grains, barrel re-engineering, emerging opportunities of adhesives and sealants, and the environmental impacts that will ensure evolution and success for the bourbon.

Co-located with the 2024 Annual Convention and EXPO are two short courses, which are taking place Monday, April 15 to Tuesday, April 16. Sponsored by the ASC, these 1.5-day courses are designed to provide industry professionals with a better understanding of the technology, chemistry, and fundamentals of adhesive and sealant formulating. Experts from the field will teach the courses, which will include discussion and networking opportunities. The Polyurethane Short Course explores the chemistry and technology behind one-part and two-part polyurethane formulations. Covered topics include markets, raw materials, reactions, formulations, fundamentals of adhesion, polymer science, and physical testing. The Formulating Strategies Short Course offers a comprehensive fundamental platform, highlighted through industry case studies, to increase attendees’ understanding of the best practices and programs needed to design, formulate, evaluate, and launch new or enhanced adhesives. The Formulators Tool box and other strategies shared in the course will enhance participants’ ability to assess supply chain options and deliver quality products at a cost defined by a well-crafted business case.