Guest Column: Rubber Division is geared up for the IEC

It is hard to believe that fall is upon us, but it truly is my favorite time of the year. It's time for sweater weather, back-to-school shopping and, of course, the International Elastomer Conference.

IEC is the one and only place that all our industry experts come together to learn, connect and grow. We are very excited to bring IEC to Knoxville, Tenn., for the first time. Knoxville has a ton to offer including the site of the 1982 World's Fair, beautiful views of the Great Smokey Mountains, Civil War memorials, breweries, restaurants, live jazz in the square and so much more. Stay an extra day to catch the rivalry game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Alabama Crimson Tide, or explore the hiking trails steps away from the convention center. Check out visitknoxville.com to see what our host city has to offer!

The staff and I are hard at work getting the final details in place for our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and members to have a successful experience during IEC. We want to ensure that you have an opportunity to learn about the latest research, developments and product launches in the industry. Connect with new and old friends and grow your network and professional skillsets.

Although we are a small staff of eight, we have the power of our wonderful volunteers behind us. Special thank you's go to all the committee members, board members and unseen worker bees behind the scenes. We appreciate your commitment to the ACS Rubber Division and to our industry. We couldn't do it without you. Stop by our Get Involved session if you would like to learn about volunteering. We have a spot for you!

If this is your first time attending IEC, make sure to stop by the ACS Rubber Division booth to meet the staff and volunteers and learn all that IEC has to offer you personally and professionally. Highlights of IEC 2022 include:

• More than 135 companies/organizations exhibiting at the expo;
• Judit Puskas, the one and only woman to win our prestigious Charles Goodyear medal, delivering our opening keynote address;
• 90 presentations at the 202nd Technical Meeting;
• 10 courses to learn from at the Educational Symposium;
• New this year, the Chair's breakfast featuring the 2021 Rubber News Executive of the Year, Cedric Glasper; and
• • Career Fair, Student Symposium, networking events and more.

We hope to see you in Knoxville! For more information, visit rubberiec.org.