The Society of Plastics Engineers has launched a new logo as well as a new website, just in time for SPE's Antec conference May 7-10, co-located with NPE2018 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
The moves are to build a new brand identify, SPE officials said.
For the logo, SPE has kept the shape of its iconic shield, but is using lower case letters. In the April 18 announcement, SPE officials said it gives an "approachable and welcoming vibe." The green color is still being used, but the shade has been darkened — symbolizing eco-friendly innovations.
The most recent logo used all capital letters.
SPE also kicked off the tagline to the Bethel, Conn.-based association's logo: "Inspiring Plastics Professionals."
SPE launched a redesigned website, at www.4spe.org, that reflects the new brand identity.
"It was built with our members in mind, streamlining menus and simplifying navigation," said CEO Patrick Farrey. "It will allow us to deliver rich content in a clean and organized way."
The website also gives easy access to join SPE, renew membership, download articles or research, register for an event or use any of the society's benefits. SPE partnered with David Nelson, who runs a design firm in Chicago, to develop the new site.
SPE has more than 22,500 members from 84 countries. Members come from a range of backgrounds, age, gender, educational experiences, majors, interests, motivations, as well as knowledge and skills — and they all come together every year at Antec, and other technical meetings organized by SPE.
On its website, the society is highlighting individual members under SPME — emphasis on "me."
"We celebrate the diversity of our community and support the professional and personal journeys of every one of our members," Farrey said. "That's why we tell their stories through SPME, a new campaign that celebrates our members and who they are — unique, energetic and forward looking.
Last year SPE celebrated its 75th anniversary. Through the years, the society has changed to keep up with the times, and Farrey said that will continue.
"Who we are today as a society and industry is different than who we were 75, 50 or 25 years ago; even different than who were just a year ago," he said. "Our members and their needs have changed significantly. Our brand relaunch represents the natural evolution of that transformation."
Farrey said: "These improvements are about making sure our brand is relevant to our members and their lives. We are no longer a brand for 'engineers' only. Our design goal was to better match the members we serve today: Plastics professionals that work through the plastics industry value chain worldwide — including scientists, technical personnel and senior executives."