WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Easily accessible Indianapolis is in the center of America's plastics processing heartland, with more than 6,500 plastics facilities in Indiana and surrounding states. The three-day trade show and two-day conference will draw large numbers of buyers and sellers from across this vibrant area. Expect attendees from a broad range of end-use markets -- primarily production and manufacturing professionals, design engineers and industrial designers. These officials will have the authority to recommend, specify and approve purchases of plastics materials, equipment and technology.

All plastics processes will be represented on a show floor that features significant new networking opportunities pioneered by Plastics Encounter, as well as galleries of products that have won various industrial-design awards. As the only general plastics trade show in the Midwest this year, it will be a great place to see new technology, admire impressive products and do business with industry professionals.

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GLOBAL BUSINESS & DESIGN CONFERENCES

Plastics News is presenting a pair of one-day conferences at Plastics Encounter that will examine crucial current issues, through the eyes of processors, industrial designers, OEMs and suppliers. Learn from, and network with, the industry's best.

DAY 1 - MANAGEMENT DAY CONFERENCE:

Presented in conjunction with the Mid-America Plastics Partners Inc., this Sept. 17 program will address key managerial and operational topics for processors. Gather tips to keep your business healthy by engaging in workshop-style dialogue with experts and industry colleagues. Three interactive, concurrent sessions will share best practices related to coping with today's tough competition, implementing lean manufacturing techniques, managing cash flow, controlling insurance costs and improving shopfloor safety. Bring your ideas and questions, and plan to join the discussions. Officials from the following firms have agreed to present: Erie Plastics, Bullard, Pleasant Precision and Webster Plastics. Watch this space for news about the developing program and confirmed presenters.

DAY 2 - DESIGN DAY CONFERENCE:

Co-presented by the Industrial Designers Society of America, this Sept. 18 event will explore the key forces reshaping today's industrial design landscape. Design leaders from some of the world's leading companies will discuss the impact of increased offshore manufacturing, globalization, and the rising Asian challenge. They also will suggest how to enhance cross-disciplinary cooperation between your manufacturing, marketing and design camps. Via case studies and presentations, learn how the best manage their collaborative product development, assess materials selection, and more. A world-class collection of senior executives and design leaders will share their knowledge.

TECHNICAL & TRAINING SEMINARS:

Separately, various educational and training seminars will be offered throughout the Encounter, including a free failure analysis seminar by Bodycote Broutman, and free technical sessions by some exhibitors. Take advantage of the first-class, on-site training seminars by Paulson Training Programs and Compuplast International about process troubleshooting and introductory computer-aided engineering for injection molding, extrusion and blow molding. These range from half-day to two days, at very special Encounter rates.

Watch here also for details about the Society of Plastics Engineers' plans for a separate, Sept. 17 SPE MiniTec technical conference at the Encounter on the topics of advanced injection molded processing and decorating techniques. For more information about the SPE event, contact PolyOne Corp.'s Perry Harwood at tel. (317) 432-1419, or e-mail him at perry.harwood@polyone.com.

You can contact Conference Director Robert Grace in Akron, Ohio, by calling (330) 865-6151 or e-mailing rgrace@crain.com.