SPE Annual Luncheon Will Focus on Diversity and Inclusion in the Plastics Industry

Contact: Chris Barry, cbarry@4spe.org, 203.740.5414

DANBURY, CT—February 26, 2020: SPE recently announced a significant change with their Women’s Networking Lunch, an annual event that occurs during ANTEC®, the largest, most respected and well-known technical conference in the plastics industry. The networking lunch, renamed Working Together: A Conversation on Diversity and Inclusion in the Plastics Industry, takes place on April 1 and is being held to foster thought-provoking discussion that will continue to propel this important topic into the future. The luncheon will include a panel discussion, real stories and audience participation focused on ways to engage underrepresented groups, develop resources to increase awareness, and provide information on how supporting diversity and inclusion leads to a strong workforce.

“Over the last several ANTEC® events, we’ve hosted the Women’s Networking lunch, which was dedicated mainly to women’s issues in the workplace and, specifically, within the plastics industry,” said Patrick Farrey, SPE’s CEO. “But as awareness of diversity in society and in the workforce grows, we’ve decided that this luncheon would provide an ideal opportunity to celebrate the differences in all of us. Our goal is to honor diversity by emphasizing that the plastics industry is for everyone.”

In early 2019 SPE partnered with more than 120 other leading societies to form the Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassment in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) with the objective of developing shared resources, which are available to all collective members. These resources include professional and ethical conduct policies and procedures to combat issues of harassment.

“The purpose of the Consortium is to address sexual and gender-based issues and to ensure that all individuals may work in STEMM industries in a safe environment,” said Farrey. “SPE is an inclusive society of plastics professionals who work throughout the plastics industry value chain – scientists, engineers, technical personnel and senior executives across the spectrum of education, gender, culture and age. Everyone who is coming to ANTEC® is welcome and encouraged to attend the Working Together: A Conversation on Diversity and Inclusion in the Plastics Industry luncheon. This is an exciting development for SPE – to provide a venue where we can engage in conversations on a larger scale emphasizing the importance of diversity while increasing cultural understanding.”

During the luncheon, dynamic plastics industry leaders and stakeholders will discuss sustainable strategies for advancing diversity and inclusion. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and network with plastics industry professionals from around the world who are striving to achieve inclusive, culturally diverse and competent workforces.

ANTEC® is taking place March 29-April 2 at the Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio, TX. For more information about ANTEC® and to register for the Working Together: A Conversation on Diversity and Inclusion in the Plastics Industry lunch, please visit www.4spe.org/ANTEC. 

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SPE-Inspiring Plastics Professionals is 84 countries and 22,500+ members strong, SPE unites plastics professionals worldwide–helping them succeed and strengthening their skills through networking, events, training, and knowledge sharing. No matter where you work in the plastics industry value chain-whether you’re a scientist, engineer, technical personnel or a senior executive-nor what is your background, education, gender, culture or age-SPE is here to serve you. Web: www.4spe.org Phone: 203-775-0471