IISRP still plans to meet in China

HOUSTON (April 3)—The International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers still plans to hold its Annual General Meeting in Beijing, China, in May, despite concerns about the SARS virus in the region. James McGraw, IISRP CEO and managing director, said the institute is letting its members know the May 19-22 conference at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Beijing, China, will take place as scheduled, unless countries begin prohibiting travel to China because of SARS. If that happens, the institute will reconsider the venue, he said. SARS—severe acute respiratory syndrome—is a flu-like virus that has killed 79 worldwide, including 40 in Guangdong Province in China, according to the World Health Organization.