CPI announces speakers for 2013 Polyurethanes Technical Conference

Emmy Award-winning journalist Frank Sesno will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Opening Session on Monday, 23 September 2013. He will discuss the future of energy and the importance of communicating the latest innovations and benefits offered by the polyurethanes industry. Currently the director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University, Sesno has more than 25 years of journalistic experience, including 18 years at CNN. Today, he leads Planet Forward, a viewer-driven website and television project focusing on innovations in energy, climate, food production, and sustainability issues.

“We are very excited about this year’s exceptional lineup of speakers,” said Lee Salamone, senior director of CPI. “Each speaker has a unique area of expertise and provides valuable insight into issues facing the industry. In particular, Frank Sesno’s observations on the state of energy in the United States will spark an important conversation on how our industry can effectively connect the innovations we develop to the country’s energy needs and the everyday lives of those using our products.”

This year’s conference will also feature two presentations from regulators on timely issues of high interest to the industry. On Monday afternoon, Elizabeth Whiteley of the Office of Atmospheric Programs (OAP) at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will present on labeling requirements mandated by the Clean Air Act that pertain to products containing or manufactured with hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). On Wednesday morning, Sven Rundman of the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will discuss the recently announced National Enforcement Program for isocyanates, providing attendees an opportunity for first-hand access to information about this program and what it means for the industry.

At the Closing Session, conference attendees will be the first to learn about the findings from CPI’s biennial end-use market survey. The “2012 End-Use Market Survey for the Polyurethanes Industry in the United States, Canada and Mexico” presents historic trends by market segment and identifies new applications and uses in each country. In addition, the survey presents data on product use, opinions on market drivers, and regulatory and other issues that affected the industry on both a domestic and global scale. Hanne Hirsimäki of IAL Consultants, which collects the data and prepares the report, will present the survey’s findings.