SPE Announces Four Roundtable Events Focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion — Co-located at Informa Markets – Engineering Events

New the program will bring DEI issues to the forefront of the plastics industry and manufacturing as a whole.

DANBURY, CT—September 15, 2021: Continuing to ensure Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) issues are brought to the forefront in the plastics industry as well as in manufacturing as a whole, SPE is announcing four roundtable educational and networking events, which will be delivered during Informa Markets – Engineering advanced manufacturing regional trade shows, starting with Advanced Manufacturing East, taking place in December 2021 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. DEI presentations will be an engaging mix of keynotes, panel discussions, “TED Talk” style sessions, audience interaction and Q&A, and networking events.

“SPE is striving to create an environment in which everyone feels respected and valued, and has equal opportunities to develop, advance, and be heard,” said Patrick Farrey, SPE’s CEO. “Informa Markets – Engineering supports an open and welcoming community, and our partnership is a significant step toward achieving a more thorough understanding of the issues and the value of being more diverse, inclusive, and equitable. With these events, we intend to begin an ongoing dialogue surrounding the issues of DEI.”

Because the advanced manufacturing events include multiple vertical industry events under one roof (MD&M, Pack, ATX, D&M, Plastec, and Quality Expo), attendees represent a range of backgrounds and industries. 

“We are proud that Informa Markets – Engineering events have always included a highly-diverse audience, with attendees and speakers representing every race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and more, and we look forward to continuing to grow and evolve our efforts,” said Steve Everly, Group Event Director at Informa Markets – Engineering. “DEI efforts seek to create meaningful, systemic change toward more equitable environments. We are proud to partner with SPE on this important endeavor to help make the plastics industry, and all manufacturing industries, more equitable, and inclusive.” 

SPE’s DEI roundtable topics include how top companies are fostering DEI throughout their organizations; the business case for DEI; helping people recognize how their own behaviors impact others and how to recognize bias; the language of DEI; combating ageism; how to lead by becoming a change-maker; and more.

DEI roundtable events will take place as follows:

• December 6-7, 2021
  Javits Center, New York City, NY
• April 11-12, 2022
  Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA
• June 13-14, 2022
  Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC
• November 2022 (TBD)
  Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN

Tentative program schedules for these events include:

• Day 1
  1:00 – 5:00 pm – Presentations
  5:00 – 7:00 pm – Mixer Reception
• Day 2
  8:00 am – 12:00 pm – Presentations
  12:00 – 2:00 pm – Lunch with featured industry speaker
  2:00 – 5:00 pm – Presentations

Speakers and presentations will be announced soon. For more information, visit www.4spe.org/DEIEvents. 

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About SPE
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 your background is, education, gender, culture or age-SPE is here to serve you. 
Web: www.4spe.org Phone: +1.203.740.5400.

About Informa Markets – Engineering
Informa Markets’ Engineering portfolio is the leading B2B event producer, publisher, and digital media business for the world's $3-trillion advanced, technology-based manufacturing industry. Our print and electronic products deliver trusted information to the engineering market and leverage our proprietary 1.3-million-name database to connect suppliers with buyers and purchase influencers. We produce more than 50 events and conferences in a dozen countries, connecting manufacturing professionals from around the globe. The Engineering portfolio is organized by Informa, the world’s leading exhibitions organizer that brings a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.