Rubber Division wraps up 2019 International Elastomer Conference

Rubber & Plastics News

Jim Chiofolo of Polymer Machine Co. shows off some of the dog chew toys that were molded during the IEC. The toys were made on the Pan Stone two-cavity mold with vertical Fifo injection using rubber provided by Hexpol and materials from McLube.

Bruce Meyer, Rubber & Plastics News
Ernie Puskas (right) of Littlern Corp. was the countdown winner at the 25 Year Club Luncheon. He is pictured with Rubber Division Chair Mike Morrow.
Bruce Meyer, Rubber & Plastics News
Cara Adams, director of race tire engineering and manufacturing for Firestone Racing, addresses the Rubber Division's 25 Year Club Luncheon during.
Miles Moore, Rubber & Plastics News
League City, Texas-based INEOS Oligomers U.S.A. L.L.C. was represented at the International Elastomer Conference in Cleveland, promoting its Indopol polybutenes and specialty oligomers Pictured are Account Manager David J. Kucharski (left) and Technology Senior Staff Scientist Gary J. Gudac.
Erin Pustay Beaven, Rubber & Plastics News
Dave Warren of Polymer Solutions Group stands at its his company's booth during the final day of the International Rubber Conference Expo.
Erin Pustay Beaven, Rubber & Plastics News
Kevin Ellis (left) and Alex Isarov man the Heuber Engineered Materials booth at the nternational Elastomer Conference and Expo.
Erin Pustay Beaven, Rubber Plastics
Eagle Elastomers' Neil McHale (left) and John Allen pose for a photo at their booth.
Miles Moore, Rubber & Plastics News
For transfer and injection molders, SigmaSoft virtual molding can simulate and optimize part and mold design using any kind of rubber, minimizing defects and saving engineering time and costs, according to Schaumburg, Ill.-based Sigma Plastic Services Inc. Harshai Bhogesra (left), technical sales engineer, and Kaushik A. Manek, manager of application & technology, represented Sigma at the 2019 International Elastomer Conference.
Miles Moore, Rubber & Plastics News
Based in Minerva, Ohio, Abrasive Supply Co. supplies deflashing and mold cleaning equipment and media for the rubber industry, including the Polyblast pressure dry blast system. “I’ve been doing this for 25 years,” said ASC Sales Manager Rob Rouse, who represented the company at the 2019 International Elastomer Conference. ASC is a small company that focuses on quality and customer satisfaction, Rouse said.

CLEVELAND—The ACS Rubber Division's International Elastomer Conference wrapped up Oct. 10, drawing a total of 4,333 registered attendees and 276 exhibiting companies to this year's event.

Those attending this year's conference took time to thank Ed Miller, who has served as the Rubber Division's executive director for 19 years. Miller will retire at the end of this year, handing the reins of the organization to Lakisha Miller-Barclay. Friends and colleagues celebrated with Miller during a special dinner event on Oct. 7.

In opening the conference and expo on Oct. 8, the Rubber Division unveiled its top award winners for 2020, including naming Nissim Calderon as the 2020 Charles Goodyear Medal winner. They will be honored at the organization's Spring Technical Meeting, planned for April 28-30 in Independence, Ohio.

This year's IEC emphasized diversity and engagement. Throughout the conference, special events were hosted to help all of its Rubber Division members find support, empowerment and professional opportunities. Those programs began before the conference even started when the Rubber Division hosted its inaugural Women of Rubber Division workshop.

To engage young professionals, the Rubber Division offered a first-time attendee orientation and hosted a Young Professionals Forum, initiatives that engaged 150 and 138 attendees, respectively.

Those who have served as leaders in the Rubber Division took time to share their experiences and detail volunteer opportunities through the Get Involved! sessions. Over the course of two sessions, 160 attendees gathered information about the Rubber Division, its committees and rubber groups, while exploring growth opportunities available through each.

The next generation of rubber industry professionals also had their time in the spotlight during the annual student colloquium and poster competition.

The final day of the three-day conference included a career fair as well as the business and awards ceremony.

Next year's International Elastomer Conference will be held Oct. 20-22 in Knoxville, Tenn.

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