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.