2024 Annual Meeting Schedule Hightlights

Processing Techniques Seminar (PTS)

Saturday, April 13, 2024 - 8:00am - 5:00pm

Basic Sessions

Basics of Hot Cast Polyurethane presented by Ryan Anderson, Fimor North America
Material types, casting methods, formulating

Introduction to PU Chemistry presented by Andy Schuster, BASF
Chemistry and Structure-Property Relationships

Safe Handling of Isocyanates and Curatives presented by Robert Czeiszperger, Anderson Development Co
Material handling and EHS best practices for prepolymers and common curatives

Failed Parts presented by Vitor Lopes, Lanxess
This presentation will englobe several cases studies for failed polyurethane parts during production or in the field, approaching exactly the issues that were seen, what was the root cause(s) and how were they found, as well as the modifications made in the processing and/or formulation to solve those issues. 

ASTM Standards in the Urethane Industry presented by Kevin Fernandes, COIM
Common ASTM methods for PU, including test equipment, specimen types, generic test procedures

Advanced Process Troubleshooting presented by Paul Waite ERA Polymers Corporation
Common sources of Issues & typical root causes

Sources of Processing Choice of Polyurethane Elastomers for Variability and Impact on Demanding Applications Parts/Properties presented by Tyler Sikorski, COIM
Stoichiometry, Temps, Post-cure, etc

Additives for Modifying Processing and Part Properties presented by Robert Czeiszperger, Anderson Development Co
This session will cover all different arenas of additives from processing aids such as catalysts, to final elastomer modifiers such as UV stabilizers and antistatic additives.

Adhesivees and Troubleshooting Bonding Process presented by Dennis Joseph, HB Fuller
Metal prep, adhesive technology, root causes of bad bond

Engineering Drawings & PU Design Fundamentals presented by Matt Sennett, Lanxess
Reading drawings and info for designing PU parts

Sunday, April 14, 2024 - 8:00am - 12:00pm

Advanced Sessions

Regulations in the Polyurethane Shop presented by Chris Goeloe, Anderson Development Co
EHS and regulatory information necessary for PU processors

Automated Machine Casting & Processing Equipment presented by Dan Boshinsky Covestro
Overview of technology, choosing correct equipment, troubleshooting

Analytical Techniques for PU Failure Analysis presented by Matt Sennett, Lanxess
Analytical and investigative methods for design and part failure

Material Characterization & Engineering Properties presented by Shaun Gosselin, Gallagher Corporation
Advanced engineering properties such as dynamics, fatigue, stress/strain, etc and how to characterize

Choice of Polyurethane Elastomers for Demanding Applications presented by Ian Laskowitz, Polycoat Products
Choosing best urethane systems for various applications (dynamic, cyclic, high temp, tough environment, etc)

Schedule and topics subject to change

John Jarvis Memorial Golf Tournament:
The Revere Golf Club

Sunday, April 14th, 2024 - 8:00am shotgun start

The Revere Golf Club is a premier Las Vegas Golf Course offering 36 holes of championship golf in Henderson, Nevada. The Lexington course is one of two courses that offers an exciting golf experience with panoramic views of the Las Vegas strip. While this is a popular social outing for colleagues and spouses to experience, the John Jarvis Memorial Golf Tournaments is also a fundraiser to support the Mother Cabrini Hospital in Chicago. The PMA has made significant contributions over the years to the facility that cared for PMA Member John Jarvis during his battle with cancer.

Transportation will be provided to participating golfers. Club rentals are available at a discounted rate of $65. All club rentals must be booked online by 4/5. After 4/5, rentals will be subject to availability onsite the day of the tournament.

Reserve club rentals here.

John Jarvis Memorial Poker Tournament - NEW in 2024

Sunday, April 14, 2024 - 9:00am

Join PMA attendees and guests for PMA’s first ever John Jarvis Memorial Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament this year in Henderson! The tournament director will be PMA’s Executive Director, Jennifer Rzepka, and will be capped at the first 50 players to sign-up. This new social event will be held during the same time as the John Jarvis Memorial Golf Outing as an alternative activity for non-golfers. Cards fly at 9:00 am on Sunday, April 14th in the Messina 3,4 meeting room. Light snacks and beverages will be provided for players.

Opening Keynote Speaker: Troy Nix

Monday, April 15, 2024

Keynote Topic: Shifting One’s Mindset to Win

Leadership is the most important aspect of running a prosperous company. If you are in pursuit of greater success, then become a better leader. If you want to become even more successful, cultivate your team to become better leaders. During this presentation, Troy Nix will breakdown leadership into its fundamental principles by using real-world experiences. Having worked for some of America’s best leaders in the United States military and in the manufacturing sector, Nix will demonstrate the practical use of military cadence in today’s business world. During this address, attendees will be challenged, attendees will be tested, and attendees will be asked to truthfully reflect on how well they are “calling cadence” in their own organizations. Designed to strike chords deep within, the ultimate goal of this engagement will be for all individuals to reflect and take action to improve.

About Troy: Troy is the founder, president, and CEO of First Resource, Inc. the only association management company focused exclusively on providing value to America’s manufacturers through innovative association management practices. A twenty-year veteran of the manufacturing sector, Nix serves as the founding executive director of the Manufacturers Association for Plastics Processors (MAPP) and the Association for Rubber Products Manufacturers (ARPM), as well as executive director of the American Mold Builders Association (AMBA). Nix also founded the Benchmarking and Best Practices Conference, which is one of the manufacturing sector’s fastest growing and most innovative events.

He is a military veteran and proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management. Prior to his experience in manufacturing association management, he worked in economic development, specifically focused on developing the plastics industry in Indiana, and as Department Manager at Mobil Oil.

Track Breakout Sessions - NEW Format in 2024

Sales & Marketing Track

Track 1 - 11:00am - 11:45am | Monday, April 15

How to Set Your Team Up for Success - John Estrada, PSI Urethanes
 

Track 2 - 12:45pm - 1:30pm | Monday, April 15
Social Selling - Christina Tarola, Azelis Americas

Track 3 - 11:00am - 11:45am | Tuesday, April 16
Building a Foundation for Growth Online: Website and Search Optimization Strategies - William McKee, Knowmad Digital Marketing

Session Description: In a digital era where the first point of interaction between a business and its prospects often happens online, a robust, dynamic, and engaging web presence is not just beneficial—it's essential. If your company is committed to distinguishing its brand in a competitive digital landscape, this talk is for you.

In this talk, we will explore the essential pillars of a strong digital foundation, including intuitive website design, user experience, messaging strategy, sales and marketing alignment, search engine optimization (SEO), online advertising, and the crucial role of tracking and analytics.

We'll also discuss advanced ways to increase online visibility, generate leads, and how to use AI and automation to streamline your business operations. So, whether you're looking to elevate your online presence or improve the results of your digital marketing program, you'll gain actionable insights and strategies to help you achieve sustainable growth online.

EHS, Regulatory, and Legal Track:

Track 1 - 11:00am - 11:45am | Monday, April 15

How can we help you: EHS Regulatory/Legal Updates including a presentation on “Defending an Enforcement Action, A Good Offence Is Better Than A Good Defense”, and a panel of EHS pros to answer audience questions - Don Gallo, Gallo Law; Chris Goeloe, Anderson Development Co; and Mike Kocak, CUE Inc

 

Track 2 - 12:45pm - 1:30pm | Monday, April 15
Updates on the EPA TSCA Risk Evaluation of MOCA - Steve Seneker

 

Track 3 - 11:00am - 11:45am | Tuesday, April 16
Using Urinalysis Testing to Monitor Exposure to MOCA - Piper Howell, Stellana US

 

Operations, Engineering, & Production Track
 

Track 1 - 11:00am - 11:45am | Monday, April 15
Part Design for Manufacturability (DFM) - Joe Wacha, Molded Dimensions

A processors perspective on best practices to help design a product that can be molded at a lower cost with less expensive tooling.

Track 2 - 12:45pm - 1:30pm | Monday, April 15
Production Best Practices – Payam Towfigh, StateMix Ltd

Track 3 - 11:00am - 11:45am | Tuesday, April 16
Casting and Dispensing Technologies - Charles Demarest, Cerulean Technologies

 

Technical Papers

Monday, April 15, 2024

Technology is a driving force in the cast urethane industry, leading to new processes and products, refining the established ones, maximizing investments in time, money, talent and materials. Join your peers in staying on top of the trends and ground-breaking discoveries with Technical Paper presentations. The PMA presents an award to the Best Technial Paper as selected by the Annual Meeting attendees.

 

Failed Parts Competition

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Teams will evaluate failed parts submitted by PMA members to determine their mode of failure. While the teams compete, an overview of each part will be discussed as well as general failure mechanisms. After discussion, a winning team will be chosen. The room will be open to watch and learn, as well.

 

Supplier Showcase

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Processor Members: The Supplier Showcase provides leading industry market information along with a forum to network  while viewing the products and services available by suppliers of raw materials, processing, or other equipment of providers; research laboratories; consultants; trainers; and systems manufacturers.

Supplier Members: Maximize your Annual Meeting investment by promoting your products and services! This is a uniquely valuable opportunity to reach the selective marketplace of Processors that is represented by PMA attendees.

Technical Poster Viewing

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Technical Posters will be on display during the Supplier Showcase. Annual Meeting attendees are encouraged to submit a Technical Poster for display on a Technical, Processing, EHS or other facet related to the cast urethane market. The PMA presents an award to the Best Technical Poster as selected by the PMA Executive Committee. To submit a Technical Poster, please click here or send the following to info@pmahome.org:

• Company name, address, phone, email and website
• Title of proposed poster
• Description of proposed poster (approximately 100 words)