What's Happening Around SPE
It’s not too late to join us at ANTEC® - especially if you’re in or around Philly! Taking place March 3–6, 2025, at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown in Philadelphia, PA, ANTEC® is where you can explore the latest advancements in polymer science and to find solutions to your plastics challenges. ANTEC® offers more than just groundbreaking technologies—it’s an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow with your peers who share a passion for plastics. Register today!
SPE is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of its prestigious Honored Service Members (HSM) Award. Since the program was established in 1992, the HSM Award has recognized 364 individuals who have demonstrated long-term, outstanding service and support to SPE and its mission. 2025 HSM winners are: James Figaniak, Americhem Engineered Compounds; Margie Hanna, CEI; Mark Lavach, Arkema; Dr. Jason Lyons, Arkema; Al McGovern, Retired; Dr. Barry Morris, Retired; Dr. Maureen Reitman, Exponent. HSM winners will also be honored at ANTEC® 2025. Read more.
PlastChicks™ 101, an exciting new series from the hosts of the award-winning PlastChicks™ Podcast, is a fun and engaging new way to give newcomers to the plastics industry the knowledge they need to succeed. This is a great opportunity to become a "Featured Company" to share your organization's expertise, highlight your innovations, and connect with plastics professionals. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this engaging and important educational initiative. Learn more and get involved.
PlastChicks™ Lynzie Nebel and Mercedes Landazuri host the Kenders, siblings with careers in plastics: Laura Kender, Polymer Process Engineer at Corning Life Sciences; Elizabeth Kender, Senior Product Developer at New Balance; and Stephen Kender, Senior Design Engineer at UPPAbaby. They discuss how their interest in plastics developed, their career journey in plastics, injection molding, the future of plastics, and designing for plastics strength, lightweighting and performance. You can listen to the PlastChicks® podcast at 4spe.org/podcasts or on YouTube!
Professional Development
SPE offers its members a unique mentoring program designed to build relationships that bridge generations. Included for paid members, the program matches mentors and mentees according to their personal preferences and assists members with the challenge of advancing one's professional and personal goals. Those who have experienced that journey are ready to benefit those starting the journey. More information.
SPE’s Center for Polymer Education includes programs designed to fit your needs, your schedule, and your career and educational goals. Each workshop, webinar, and conference provide the tools you need to boost your professional development. From highly focused technical topics to ‘soft’ skills such as leadership training, the SPE Center for Polymer Education helps you in your professional journey. On demand courses are also available 24/7. More information.
Feeling overwhelmed by ongoing changes in plastics manufacturing? Or is your team struggling to keep up with the latest developments in manufacturing processes? Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills or boost your team’s performance, SPE has recently collaborated with Routsis Training to provide tools specifically designed for individuals or teams looking to succeed in today’s fast-paced plastics manufacturing environment! Find out more here.
Be a leader in plastics! SPE's Essentials of Management & Leadership in Plastics is focused on career development, open to early to mid-level career professionals (with varying titles and roles within specific organizations) who are looking to become leaders or strengthen their leadership skills at their companies and in the plastics industry. This six-month program is delivered in an online format. Learners engage in live facilitated group training, a one-to-one coaching session, and self-paced learning components each month. Those interested in building their leadership skills should apply now - the next session starts this Spring. More information here.
SPE Foundation
Explore how your support has helped the SPE Foundation inspire future plastics professionals and showcase the many ways plastics impact our world. From Girl Scout Council Patch Programs to PlastiVan®, scholarships, 3D printer grants, and more, this work was made possible through your support. Thank you! Read the report here.
This year, the Plastics Hall of Fame is proudly offering four $5,000 scholarships through the SPE Foundation! These scholarships are for full-time undergraduate or graduate students with an interest in the plastics industry. Last year, we awarded a record-breaking $262,250. In 2025 we have even MORE scholarships available. Applications are open until April 1, 2025. Apply now at 4spe.org/scholarships!
Chapter News
Get ready for SPE's Rotational Molding TopCon 2025, where rotational molding takes center stage in solving complex problems with sustainable solutions! This event, taking place April 28-30 in Pittsburgh, PA, features industry speakers unveiling the latest technology, a student design competition, and live demonstrations that showcase innovation in action. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be at the forefront of the future of plastic engineering in rotational molding. Read more.
The SPE Molding Technologies Division will be exhibiting at PT-EXPO in Rosemont, IL from March 18 – 20, 2025. The division will be sharing a booth with SPE Chicago Section, as well as with Mark (Dr. Plastics) Wolverton, SPE Foundation PlastiVan® Educator. Make sure to visit booth #1239, directly across the aisle from Mold Making Technology magazine. We have complimentary show credentials available for you. Please click here for access to the show floor. Be sure to use discount code SPE100 when registering.
SPE News Story Ideas?
Know a member who is doing outstanding things in plastics or in SPE? Are you part of a chapter that is making an impact or a difference in the industry? Let us know if you have any story ideas for SPE News! Feel free to contact Chris Barry at cbarry@4spe.org.
Upcoming Events
View SPE's upcoming events
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