AI, sustainability and safety: 5 can't-miss Hose & Belt Conference events

It's back. Rubber News' biennial Hose & Belt Conference returns Oct. 1-2 to Schaumberg, Ill.

To be held at the Renaissance Schaumberg Convention Center Hotel, the two-day program is packed with insights from industry leaders and experts. As always, the event also offers opportunities to network and connect with industry professionals and suppliers.

Registration is open and special pricing ends Friday, Aug. 9.

Meanwhile, the program continues to take shape. Here's a look at 5 can't miss presentations set to take the stage at the event.

Mathew Augustine, head of product development for Continental, will help to kickstart the conference with his keynote presentation Oct. 1.

During his program, Augustine will challenge attendees to think more deeply about sustainability as he explores the hose and belt industry's efforts to operate more efficiently and introduce more eco-friendly products. In doing so, he'll examine some of the materials that could help the industry achieve its aims.

Later in the day Oct. 1, a trio of experts will expand on the discussion that Augustine starts. Joining the conversation is:

• Kelsey Bergan, global sustainability leader for water and protection at DuPont de Nemours;
• Shae Brown, research scientist at Beaver Manufacturing; and
• Marilia Correia, head of material process engineering for Continental.

The panel will cover an array of topics, including sustainable materials, recycling and how production is shifting focus to meet the demands of stakeholders and customers in this evolving market.

AI development is happening fast and furiously. And while there may be some trepidation, there are plenty of reasons to embrace the technology, especially when it comes to operations.

During his presentation set for the afternoon on Oct. 1, Brent Lilly, PT Coupling's vice president of sales and marketing, will make a case for embracing AI, particularly on the operations side of the business, where the technology could benefit development.

Safety is a central tenet for NAHAD, the Association for Hose and Accessories Distribution, and its Hose Safety Institute is proof. During a presentation Oct. 2, Molly Alton Mullins, executive vice president of NAHAD, will explore how member companies are implementing industry-leading practices and guidelines.

Alton Mullins also will take a deeper dive into some of the topics, trends and issues that NAHAD member companies face today. This includes sales activities, new orders, market trends and business forecasts, as well as challenges such as those on the labor front.

Kennesaw State University professor Roger Tutterow returns to the Hose & Belt conference to offer some insights on what lies ahead on economic, business and political fronts.

During his presentation, Tutterow will provide an overview of the national and regional economies, and will explore supply chain disruption, manufacturing trends and the impacts of COVID-19 on labor and real estate markets, interest rates and more.