CLEVELAND—Rubber Division Chair Michael Morrow has deemed the ACS Rubber Division's International Elastomer Conference, held Oct. 8-10 in Cleveland, as a success.
Besides the usual technical conference program and rubber expo, the event in Cleveland also included some new additions. First was the Women of Rubber Division's pre-conference workshop, which was sold out for its debut on Oct. 7.
Other new items on the agenda included two "Get Involved" sessions, outlining what opportunities are available to volunteer for Rubber Division activities and how members can become involved. There also was a Young Professionals Open Forum on Oct. 9, where the Rubber Division was looking for input on how to meet the needs of members under 40.
Morrow's theme for his year as chair was "Chemistry to Componentry," which aimed to identify the role of Rubber Division companies all along the rubber industry's value chain. He also looked to increase education and training opportunities, a goal that was aided by a partnership with Akron Rubber Development Laboratory Inc. ARDL, as part of the partnership, conducted educational sessions for high school students during the IEC.
His term officially goes through the end of the year, when Morrow will be replaced by Chair-Elect Brian Barkes of GFL Americas L.L.C. Barkes will preside over the spring technical meeting April 28-30 in Independence, Ohio, and the fall International Elastomer Conference Oct. 20-22, 2020, in Knoxville, Tenn.