ANTEC

SPE ANTEC® 2026

Why Attend?

Conference Venue

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
600 Commonwealth Pl
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1003

ANTEC® 2026 is where you will find the latest breakthroughs in plastics technology, advanced polymer research, and next-generation processing solutions. This is more than a conference—it’s a launchpad for solving real-world challenges in science, engineering, and industry.

Join a dynamic community of global thought leaders, researchers, and professionals driving progress in plastics. Whether you're looking to elevate your expertise through learning about the latest advancements and innovations in the plastics industry, inspire innovation within your organization, or make powerful connections, ANTEC® 2026 delivers.

Who Should Attend ANTEC®?

Scientists and academics: To present their research and connect with an international audience of peers and industry leaders.
Business leaders and decision-makers: To gain insights into new technologies, materials, and potential solutions for industrial problems.
Engineers and researchers: To network with other experts, discover new products, and understand scientific and technical problems and their potential solutions.
Those interested in polymer research: To learn about new discoveries and innovations in the field of plastics

Sponsors & Exhibitors

Media Partners

Exhibitors

Student Activities @ ANTEC® Sponsor

SPE Bioplastics and Renewable Technologies Division

SPE Building and Infrastructure Division

SPE Engineering Properties and Structure Division

ANTEC® Testimonials

“ANTEC 2025 was, without a doubt, an exceptional event. As a professional in the field of plastics, I was thoroughly impressed by the quality and relevance of the technical presentations and workshops. The diversity of topics and the depth of the technical discussions were outstanding. The atmosphere of collaboration and knowledge exchange was truly enriching. In summary, ANTEC 2025 exceeded my expectations and provided me with valuable knowledge, important connections, and an unforgettable experience. I strongly recommend my colleagues not to miss ANTEC 2026!”

Omar Augusto Estrada Ramírez

Ph. D., sospol s.a.s.

“Antec is one of the few conferences that still maintains high quality technical content. Many technical conferences discourage promotional, marketing or commercial presentations, but ultimately allow them. Antec conferences have kept science and innovation at their core which ensures the talks are useful and educational for all attendees.”

Dan Ward

Technical Service And Application Development, NOVA Chemicals

“This was my first ever ANTEC, and I am so glad I was able to attend! The sessions were insightful, and it is always inspiring to hear what industry professionals and other students are working on, and researching. As a student, it was amazing to meet other students, industry professionals and the individuals who made the whole event possible, SPE staff! I enjoyed that there were different seminars going on so it gave people options on what they wanted to hear about. I also really enjoyed all of the social events ANTEC had. One thing I really loved was the student networking event that the PlastChicks hosted. This allowed me to interact with students from different universities, and also allowed us to work in a competitive environment to be the first to find, and take selfies with specific industry professionals. Although I am a current senior, I am so glad I was able to attend ANTEC as a student! The environment was so welcoming, and I had an overall amazing time. I was able to meet so many great individuals and hear from inspiring individuals! After graduation and during my professional life, I hope I am able to attend more ANTECs in my future!”

Morgan Bartholomew

Student, Pennsylvania College of Technology

“Attending ANTEC® 2025 was a transformative experience that significantly expanded my knowledge and offered invaluable networking opportunities in the field of plastics engineering. The event served as a dynamic platform for learning, connecting with experts and peers, and gaining deep insights into the future of the industry, particularly around sustainability and innovation. By the end of the conference, I had a clearer sense of direction for my academic and professional journey, along with new relationships that will be beneficial moving forward. One of the highlights was Tim Osswald’s presentation on environmentally-friendly natural rubber latex and sustainability. His focus on natural rubber latex as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials resonated deeply with my passion for both engineering and sustainability. This talk inspired me to explore alternative materials in my future research. Sustainability was a central theme throughout the conference, with sessions on recycling, biodegradable materials, and sustainable manufacturing innovations. These discussions deepened my understanding of the crucial role the plastics industry plays in environmental conservation. I’m now motivated to explore engineering solutions that promote eco-friendly practices in manufacturing and product design. Beyond the technical sessions, ANTEC® provided unique networking opportunities. I had the chance to connect with professionals like Rick Winston, whose connection to my mentor professor further highlighted the value of building relationships within the industry. The social events at ANTEC® allowed for relaxed networking, fostering open dialogue and making the event even more memorable. Most excitingly, ANTEC® has inspired me to not only attend next year’s conference but also to actively contribute by presenting my work. I’m eager to share my research, engage with others, and help shape the future of sustainability in the plastics industry.”

Shaley DeHaas-O'Briant

Master's Student, Rochester Institute of Technology

“What I like best about ANTEC is the student-industrial interactions that are able to take place. Students learn and network with professionals while industry members gain exposure to the research students are conducting!”

Mandy Zheng

Research Assistant, PhD student, Case Western Reserve University

“Attending ANTEC has been a pivotal experience for me as a researcher in biomedical shape memory polymers. My work focuses on developing novel polymers that can be triggered by physiological conditions, offering promising applications in minimally invasive surgeries and advanced biomedical devices. The conference provided a platform to share our latest findings and connect with industry leaders and fellow researchers. I was particularly inspired by the innovative ideas and collaborations that emerged from the event. ANTEC® not only enhanced my understanding of cutting-edge materials science but also opened new avenues for career growth and collaboration in the field. I look forward to sharing our latest findings and discussing potential collaborations with fellow researchers and industry professionals at ANTEC 2025.”

Raj Kumar Pittala

Advanced shape memory polymers: merging additive manufacturing and plasticization for biomedical innovation, University of North Texas

“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at ANTEC this year. This was my 21st ANTEC. The combination of great technical content and the chance to learn from industry experts, together with the opportunity to network, keeps me coming back.”

Jeffrey Jansen

Engineerign Manager, The Madison Group

“I have to preface this by mentioning it was my first time at ANTEC, AND my first time in the US. ANTEC 2025 was amazing for me. Everything seemed to be moving smoothly because the organization was great. I also have to say the food was great, whether it was lunch or just a coffee break, there was always something really good to have. Also putting all the details on the app was perfect and it helped a lot in knowing what, where, and when to attend. I used that app A LOT. I got to meet many people, including engineers, professors, students, and even you guys, the organizers. Everyone was very nice and sweet. I loved how we got to network at the hotel and at Victory Brewing. I think that was a great idea, to not just spend the entire event in one place. Networking sessions overall were very good. The talks were also put on very well. There were no issues whatsoever in all of the talks and sessions I attended, and everything was pretty much on time. That speaks a lot to the efforts put into organizing this event. Despite coming from a different background (Civil Engineering) to pretty much everyone I met, I wholeheartedly enjoyed the event. Maybe because it was my first time, but you guys made it an amazing memory for me. Thank you very much, and I wish you all the best in your upcoming events.”

Abdul Rahman Al Hayek

Dr., Universiti Tenaga Nasional

“I really enjoyed my first time attending ANTEC 2025. I had the opportunity to meet many colleagues in the thermoplastics industry. I learned about all the great things that the SPE foundation is doing for the young students and communities. Also, I had the great opportunity to moderate one of the technical sessions at ANTEC, which helped me a great deal to network with colleagues in the industry. I met several Colombian researchers and industry professionals that are doing very interesting research! and helping bring good visibility to their communities. I liked BEST at ANTEC all the different receptions and opportunities for networking that were offered almost every day of the conference. I think ANTEC is one of the best SPE conferences I have ever attended. I hope to be back next year!”

Angela Padilla Acevedo

Senior Research Chemist, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company

“SPE ANTEC is more than just an event—it's a transformative networking experience that brings together a dedicated community of industry professionals. The intimate setting creates unparalleled opportunities for meaningful connections and deep, strategic conversations. Moreover, the event is continuously evolving to address the dynamic needs of our industry, offering innovative sessions and discussions that drive progress. SPE ANTEC has not only expanded my professional network but also reinvigorated my passion for the field. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to engage with forward-thinking leaders and be part of a community that is actively shaping the future.”

Shona Marsh

Sector Manager Polymers, NETZSCH

“I've been attending ANTEC for the last 20 years and have always learned something new from the technical content and enjoyed the networking sessions. While I always find the event personally and professionally rewarding, ANTEC 2025 topped them all for one simple reason - I brought with me my R&D manager who had never attended (or even knew about) ANTEC and he was absolutely blown away, visibly excited, and wanted to expand our team's participation at the next ANTEC. Seeing firsthand someone you know and trust become enthralled in the event I've held in the highest regard for twenty years, was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had at ANTEC. I encourage anyone who has had a wonderful experience at ANTEC to share it with others and spread the excitement.”

ANTEC® 2025 Attendee

“ANTEC was a great experience and a good opportunity for me to connect with industry and colleagues. It was well organized and I had a great experience as a speaker.”

ANTEC® 2025 Attendee

“This was my first in-person ANTEC, and I must say, the experience was surreal. I had attended a virtual ANTEC in 2020 as a student, but it was nothing like being there in person. Coming from a Plastics/Polymer Engineering background, it was incredibly exciting to see industry leaders and professionals present their work and discuss advancements in the field. I was delighted to connect with experts from companies like BASF, SABIC, DOW, and Colortech. The talks were insightful, and the networking sessions were invaluable. I can’t wait for the next ANTEC!”

ANTEC® 2025 Attendee

“My first experience at ANTEC occurred in 2000. After that, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in ANTEC for more than 10 years and present several research papers. This time, I had the opportunity to attend ANTEC 2015 and to give a research presentation. It appeared to me that there was a slight decrease in the number of participants and presentations compared to previous years. Especailly it was observed that there was a modest decline in the number of presentations from universities and research institutions. The content of the presentations and research presentations seemed to be relevant and up-to-date, with many of them focusing on research and development that was attracting attention. After my presentation, some of attendee asked me about my presenation, and discussed with me. This was impressive to make a new conection.”

ANTEC® Attendee

“Networking opportunities were great at ANTEC® 2025. I made new connections that will help me develop new business opportunities.”

ANTEC® 2025 Attendee

“As always, I found the talks that I attended to be excellent technically, and the speakers were interesting and enthusiastic. The information I gained allows me to be of greater support to our company's customers. As a moderator of 2 sessions, I found all of the speakers in my sessions to be amazing in terms of their knowledge and their ability to convey their material in an understandable way. The whole format of ANTEC was appropriate, and I was glad to be in an interesting, historical city. Having coffee and snacks available during breaks was a welcomed treat. I would ask, though, that, if possible, don't have ANTEC during the week of Ash Wednesday.”