WASHINGTON— Emmy Award-winning journalist Frank Sesno will deliver the keynote address at the 2013 Polyurethanes Technical Conference, to be held Sept. 23-25 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel in Phoenix.
The lineup of speakers will offer their expert insights into the changing world of energy, the need to communicate about the latest scientific innovations and the state of the polyurethanes industry at the conference, hosted by the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry of the American Chemistry Council.
Senso is slated to discuss the future of energy and the importance of communicating the latest innovations and benefits offered by the polyurethanes industry. The director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, Sesno has more than 25 years of journalistic experience, including 18 years at CNN. Today, he leads Planet Forward, a viewer-driven website and television project focusing on innovations in energy, climate, food production and sustainability issues.
Other speakers include Elizabeth Whiteley of the Office of Atmospheric Programs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will make a presentation on labeling requirements mandated by the Clean Air Act that pertains to products containing or manufactured with hydrochlorofluorocarbons.
Sven Rundman of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration will discuss a recently announced national enforcement program for isocyanates, providing attendees an opportunity for first-hand access to information about this program and what it means for the industry.
At the closing session, conference attendees will be the first to learn about the findings from CPI's biennial end-use market survey, CPI said. The 2012 End-Use Market Survey for the Polyurethanes Industry in the US, Canada and Mexico presents historic trends by market segment and identifies new applications and uses in each country. In addition, the survey presents data on product use, opinions on market drivers, and regulatory and other issues that affected the industry on both a domestic and global scale.
"Each speaker has a unique area of expertise and provides valuable insight into issues facing the industry," said Lee Salamone, senior director of CPI. "In particular, Frank Sesno's observations on the state of energy in the U.S. will spark an important conversation on how our industry can effectively connect the innovations we develop to the country's energy needs and the everyday lives of those using our products."
Registration is open for the conference, which will feature more than 70 technical presentations addressing the latest research, technical developments and business issues affecting the global polyurethanes industry. Several sponsorship opportunities, including table top exhibition space, are available. The early registration discount of $200 is available through Aug. 30. For more information on the conference or to register, visit the CPI website.