Another reason to go to NPE

The Society of the Plastics Industry Inc., producer of the NPE2009 trade show, has plans for a new type of educational program at the show this year -- a program called "The Business of Plastics" that will offer more than 100 presentations on promising opportunities and critical issues in plastics. Sessions will fall into four categories:

Business strategy and practice: sessions on the global economy, marketing, best practices, and safety.

Human capital: a full-day workshop on “developing the next generation of engaged leaders” and two “student summits” featuring speed interviews, a tour of the exhibits, and special conference sessions on education and networking.

Plastics and the environment: sessions on sustainability, bioplastics, and energy efficiency; one of the sustainability sessions will focus solely on packaging.

Polymer and process innovations: sessions on resin trends, processing technology, and nanotechnology.

For more information, check out the NPE2009 Web site. Also of note: the deadline to enter the International Plastics Design Competition at the show has been extended to April 15.