The next International Rubber Conference (IRC) will take place from 20 – 22 March 2013 at the Palais des Congrès, Porte Maillot, in Paris. Following on from Korea in 2012, France will host the rubber industry's international event in 2013. The country last hosted the event in 2006. The three-day event comprises of a congress and a trade fair and is organised by the AFICEP under the aegis of the International Rubber Conference Organisation (IRCO). The congress will cover scientific and technical research, production, development, as well as rubber and polymer use. The five main topics are: chemical aspects and formula ingredients; manufacturing processes and optimising procedures; eco-design and end of life recovers – safety, health, and the environment; innovation in rubber product design and uses; and prospects and perspectives for the rubber industry. The exhibition will feature, for example, raw material suppliers, distributors, processors, product blend manufacturers, equipment and machinery manufacturers, control and measurement systems, research and training centres, clusters and government agencies.