WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) today announced that the technical education program for NPE2027 will be powered by ANTEC®, the Society of Plastics Engineers’ (SPE) annual technical conference. The ANTEC® technical tracks, combined with other education sessions, will be presented as part of the Expo+experience at the NPE2027 trade show.
This integration brings ANTEC’s® rigorously curated technical content directly into the broader NPE program for the first time. As part of the Expo+ experience, ANTEC® programming will be included with Expo+ registration, creating a unified platform that combines technical depth with large-scale industry engagement.
The collaboration reflects the combined capabilities of PLASTICS and SPE following their recent merger and is designed to strengthen the connection between technical knowledge and commercial applications across the plastics value chain.
“When we said these organizations are better together, this is exactly the kind of collaboration we had in mind,” said Matt Seaholm, President & CEO of PLASTICS. “By integrating ANTEC into NPE2027, we’re bringing the industry’s leading technical expertise directly onto its largest global stage—connecting research, innovation, and real-world application in one place. This is a natural culmination of these two organizations coming together and represents a meaningful step forward in how we serve the plastics community.”
For NPE attendees, the addition of ANTEC® provides access to in-depth technical content aligned with the innovations on display across the show floor. Topics will include areas such as AI-enabled processing, advanced recycling, sustainability, bioplastics, injection molding, additive manufacturing, polymer analysis, design, and materials performance—offering practical insight into current technologies and emerging developments.
For ANTEC® attendees and the SPE community, integration into NPE expands the reach and visibility of technical work by connecting researchers, engineers, and scientists with a broader, global audience that includes manufacturers, brand owners, and decision-makers.
“ANTEC® is the annual event for sharing cutting-edge technical information,” said Patrick Farrey, Executive Vice President and Chief Integration Officer, PLASTICS. “Bringing ANTEC® to NPE2027 connects that learning with the full scale of the global plastics market where it can have the greatest impact.”
In addition to ANTEC’s® technical programming, the Expo+ education experience will feature sessions focused on sustainability, regulatory developments, workforce considerations, and business strategy, curated by PLASTICS. Together, the combined programming is intended to provide a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities impacting the plastics industry. An ANTEC® Call for Speakers will be announced shortly.
NPE2027, taking place May 3-7, 2027, in Orlando, FL, brings together stakeholders from across the global plastics industry to explore innovation, address current operational challenges, and identify strategies for future growth.
About the Plastics Industry Association
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $551 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.
About NPE: The Plastics Show®
NPE: The Plastics Show® is the largest plastics trade show in the Americas and a global marketplace for plastics innovation, technology, and business growth. Produced by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the event brings together thousands of professionals and exhibitors from around the world to explore the latest advancements in materials, machinery, recycling, and manufacturing. NPE2024 was recognized as the 7th largest trade show of the year and received the Grand Award for “Most Commendable Green Initiatives” at the TSE Gold 100 Awards. NPE2027 will take place May 3–7, 2027, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Learn more at www.npe.org.
About the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)
The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) promotes scientific and engineering knowledge in the plastics industry through professional development, educational resources, technical journals, and global conferences to a community of over 80k+ stakeholders in 84 countries. SPE provides resources for career advancement, networking, research, and sustainability initiatives, fostering collaboration and innovation in polymer science and technology. Website: www.4spe.org.
