Guest Column: IEC returning to Cleveland

My favorite time of year is upon us: fall! It's sweater weather, back to school shopping, and of course the International Elastomer Conference. IEC is the one and only place where all facets of our industry come together to learn, connect and grow. We are very excited to bring IEC back to Cleveland this year.

Cleveland served as the anchor host city in most of the odd numbered years from 1975-2019. We experience strong participation from attendees and exhibitors when in Cleveland, and our conferences there have always been successful for all involved. Roughly 60 percent of U.S. rubber companies are within a day's drive, the convention center features a perfect layout for our conference and the city provides numerous dining and entertainment options for our attendees. It truly is a great city, and we look forward to welcoming all to IEC 2023 Oct. 16-19.

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 great experience during IEC. We want to ensure that you have an opportunity to learn about the latest research, developments and products/services in the industry, and connect with new and old friends to grow your network and professional skill sets.

Although we are a small staff of eight, we have the power of our wonderful volunteers behind us. Special thanks 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 at IEC 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 Rubber Division booth to meet the staff and volunteers and learn all that IEC and the association has to offer you personally and professionally.

Highlights of IEC 2023 include:

• 200 Companies/organizations exhibiting at the expo;
• 113 Presentations at the Technical Meeting;
• 15 courses/training sessions to learn from at the Educational Symposium;
• Business-focused keynote and plenary sessions;
• Career development sessions, young professionals events and student-focused events;
• Regulatory and legislative panels and updates; and
• Women's event, networking events and more.

Visit rubberiec.org to learn all about what we have in store for you at IEC 2023. We hope to see you there.

Barclay is executive director and CEO of the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society.