SPE and Plastics Industry Association FAQ

Question 1

Will I still be an SPE member after the merger?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The SPE name and brand continues. And individual membership continues. SPE’s long tradition of supporting the plastics professional remains central in the combined organization.

Question 2

Will my dues change?

Accepted Answer

For now, no. Membership categories and dues remain unchanged. Over time, new packages may be introduced that expand benefits while maintaining current value.

Question 3

Will I still have access to Plastics Engineering and SPE’s Journals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Publications remain a core member benefit, with the added advantage of broader distribution and visibility.

Question 4

Do I lose access to my SPE Division, Section, or Interest Group?

Accepted Answer

Divisions, Sections, and Interest Groups continue as key parts of the SPE experience.

Question 5

What new benefits can I expect?

Accepted Answer

Members will gain access to expanded training programs, larger industry events, and enhanced networking with professionals at PLASTICS member companies.

Question 6

Will there be new professional development opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With PLASTICS’ corporate reach and SPE’s technical expertise, new certificate programs and continuing education opportunities will be created.

Question 7

What about students and young professionals?

Accepted Answer

They’ll gain more exposure to corporate leaders, better career pathways, and opportunities to participate in programs like FLIP (Future Leaders in Plastics).

Question 8

Will scholarship and Foundation programs still exist?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and they’ll have expanded funding opportunities through corporate sponsorships and donations.

Question 9

Will my research and technical work still be recognized?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your technical contributions will have a larger stage, amplified through PLASTICS’ reach and programs.

Question 10

How does this affect networking?

Accepted Answer

You’ll now connect not only with peers in technical communities, but also with professionals and decision-makers across the broader plastics industry.

Question 11

What will happen to ANTEC®?

Accepted Answer

ANTEC continues, with opportunities to align selectively with PLASTICS’ flagship NPE event for greater visibility and reach.

Question 12

Will Chapter and Division conferences still happen?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Local and technical events remain intact and may gain stronger promotion, sponsorship, and attendance support.

Question 13

Does this mean SPE events will merge with PLASTICS events?

Accepted Answer

Some events may align or co-locate where it makes sense, but SPE’s technical identity and events remain distinct.

Question 14

Will I get access to NPE through my SPE membership?

Accepted Answer

Membership models may evolve to include cross-benefits, but SPE members will see new opportunities to connect with NPE and its attendees.

Question 15

Will Divisions and Sections have a role in PLASTICS’ events?

Accepted Answer

Divisions and Sections may gain visibility for their technical programs at PLASTICS conferences and trade shows.

Question 16

Will SPE’s voice still matter in the new organization?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The merger strengthens the plastics professional’s voice by combining SPE’s technical credibility with PLASTICS’ advocacy efforts.

Question 17

What if my professional opinion doesn’t align with PLASTICS’ advocacy?

Accepted Answer

SPE remains committed to open scientific exchange. Members will retain opportunities to present independent, research-driven viewpoints.

Question 18

How does this strengthen the voice of the industry?

Accepted Answer

With one unified platform, policymakers, educators, and the public will hear a message that is both technically credible and industry-supported.

Question 19

Will Chapters still exist?

Accepted Answer

Chapters remain an important part of SPE, and the integration creates new pathways for sponsorship and growth.

Question 20

Will Divisions still control their conferences and technical programs?

Accepted Answer

Divisions will continue to serve their technical areas, with additional promotional and sponsorship support from the combined organization.

Question 21

What happens to Interest Groups?

Accepted Answer

Interest Groups continue to exist, with new opportunities for visibility and collaboration across PLASTICS’ networks.

Question 22

Will SPE Chapters have a role in governance?

Accepted Answer

SPE Chapters will continue to serve as pathways to leadership roles within SPE and across the plastics industry.

Question 23

Could Divisions be marginalized under PLASTICS’ corporate focus?

Accepted Answer

No. Divisions and technical programming are specifically identified as strategic strengths SPE brings to the merger.

Question 24

Why merge now?

Accepted Answer

Together, SPE and PLASTICS can reduce duplication, share resources, and invest more directly in programs that matter to members.

Question 25

Will this improve the financial stability of SPE?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shared infrastructure and access to corporate sponsorships create a stronger foundation for long-term sustainability.

Question 26

How will this impact the SPE Foundation’s funding?

Accepted Answer

The merger is expected to strengthen the Foundation by increasing access to corporate leaders and potential donors reached through PLASTICS.

Question 27

Will membership be easier for employees at PLASTICS member companies?

Accepted Answer

New corporate-supported membership models may allow more employees at PLASTICS member companies to join SPE.

Question 28

When does the merger take effect?

Accepted Answer

The merger is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Integration begins January 1, 2026, and will continue for up to 24 months.

Question 29

Will there be interruptions to my current benefits during this time?

Accepted Answer

No. Membership benefits will continue without disruption.

Question 30

What is the long-term vision?

Accepted Answer

A unified organization serving both companies and individuals, amplifying the industry’s voice, and expanding opportunities for all plastics professionals.

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