With more than 20,000 members in more than 70 countries around the world, the Society of Plastics Engineers is the world’s leading professional society supporting the plastics industry. SPE is your gateway to the global plastics industry. No other organization offers the quality and volume of plastics-specific technical and industry information, cutting-edge training, networking opportunities, and dynamic career resources, available through SPE.

From automotive to medical plastics, nanotechnology to recycling, thermosets to composites, SPE has the technical and professional tools, and the worldwide peer network you need to succeed.

That’s why, when plastics professionals were asked: “What industry association provides you with the most value?” the unequivocal answer was: “SPE!”

^TOP

SPE provides access to the latest, most comprehensive, and most authoritative technical and professional information in the plastics industry. SPE is able to maintain the highest standards in technical information because plastics professionals (SPE members) drive, develop, and review the Society’s technical agenda. Take advantage of:

• Complimentary 12-month subscription to Plastics Engineering magazine, the leading magazine of the global plastics industry.
• Free access to SPE’s Online Technical Library, including more than 10,000 technical conference proceedings
• Online technical journal database, technical conference presentations, and industry links.
• Access to targeted technical information through 24 technical Divisions.
• Peer-reviewed technical journals, including 24-hour Internet access to current and past issues.
• Precision information in your specialty through 19 Special Interest Groups.
• A comprehensive technical plastics library, including books, CDs, videos, and more.
• Expert online advice from plastics professionals around the world.
• Links to more than 150 plastics sites around the world

^TOP

With its worldwide and industry-wide membership, SPE offers unprecedented access to industry expertise. SPE is your portal to the worldwide plastics industry and your first stop when looking for targeted answers from experts to the challenges on your desk today. SPE members connect to the worldwide plastics industry through:

• SPE technical message boards and chatrooms, where you can ask and answer questions of your plastics peers
• Many SPE technical Divisions, Local Geographic Sections, and Special Interest Groups also meet and talk online.

^TOP

SPE offers more than 150 convenient and affordable continuing education and training opportunities every year on a wide variety of topics and in nearly every conceivable format, including:

• SPE’s Annual Technical Conference (ANTEC), the leading plastics industry technical forum.
• Topical Conferences that focus on more specific technical subjects.
• Seminars & Workshops, covering all levels of learning, basic to advanced.
• Online presentations—live seminars that enable you to learn without leaving your office.
• In-plant training programs—one, two, or three-day onsite courses tailored for your company’s specific needs.
• Online training—practical courses to enhance processing knowledge and skill.
• Peer-reviewed training products—developed by members for members
• More than 300 other plastics training products and programs.

^TOP

One of the most comprehensive collections of plastics resources and publications, SPE’s plastics library contains more than 300 training products and publications to move you forward in your knowledge and your career, including:

• Books
• Periodicals, including peer-reviewed technical journals
• Conference proceedings
• ANTEC proceedings
• CD-ROMs
• DVDs and videos
• Manuals & Guides
• Technician’s Toolboxes

^TOP

There is no better venue for networking with your colleagues and peers in the plastics industry than through SPE. Members have unparalleled opportunities to meet, work with, and share knowledge with other plastics professionals through:

• Local Geographic Sections—in your area and more than 70 countries around the world.
• Online forums and discussion groups, bulletin boards, and chatrooms.
• Technical Divisions—in 24 subject areas give you the chance to meet and work with others in your specialty or interest area(s).
• SPE Conferences draw plastics professionals from around the world, and give you the opportunity to meet your international colleagues face-to-face.
• Special Interest Groups—explore new and emerging areas of science and technology with like-minded professionals.
• SPE committees—further your leadership potential and help shape the Society’s agenda.

^TOP

Beyond technical information and networking, SPE offers the most comprehensive career resources available to professionals in the plastics industry. Our Career Solutions Center goes beyond the usual job postings to include:

• Job notification service
• Resume writing assistance
• Interview preparation
• Negotiation tips/skill development
• Behavioral assessment
• Unemployment services
• Outplacement & career transition services
• Career planning assistance

In addition, SPE Local Sections, technical Divisions, Committees, Special Interest Groups, and online communities also offer career-related networking opportunities.

^TOP

SPE and SPE members “give back” to the industry by helping to educate future plastics professionals and the public. Through the SPE Foundation and community outreach programs, SPE helps promote the image of plastics at all levels:

• SPE Foundation, including grants and scholarships.
• K-12 Education Initiatives
• TALK IT UP!—plastics professionals present a positive image of plastics
• Plastics and Our World—articles about the benefits plastics have brought to our lives
• Plastics Pioneers Association
• Plastics Academy

^TOP

In addition to community outreach, SPE also advances the plastics profession by recognizing and honoring its outstanding members through a robust international awards program.

• Annual Awards
• Member Recognition Awards
• Student Awards
• Division Awards
• Section Awards
• Industry awards

Complete list of SPE Awards

^TOP

In addition to its extensive professional benefits and services, SPE also offers cost-saving personal benefits:

• Group health insurance
• SPE Credit Card
• Society Member Symbol

^TOP