Industry Associations Line Up to Support PTXPO

The Plastics Technology Expo is generating support across the plastics-processing community from a gamut of associations that represent the industry’s supply chain. The first-ever PTXPO will take place March 29-31 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. Supported by industry research, this event is specifically designed to connect buyers and sellers across the entire North American plastics-processing, mold-manufacturing and 3D-printing industries. Thousands of attendees from shop floors to front offices across North America will be represented at the expo. Exhibitors and attendees will have the opportunity to meet and connect with the entire supply-chain ecosystem, including manufacturing managers, supervisors, engineers, and technicians, as well as engineers and technical managers at OEMs and brand owners.

“It is very important that all our industry’s society and association partners are involved with a successful PTXPO,” says Ryan Delahanty, publisher of Plastics Technology magazine and executive v.p. of parent company Gardner Business Media (GBM). “We want to help introduce the thousands of attending manufacturers to the societies and associations that we know can help them—with advocacy, business intelligence, education and much more.”

To that end, PTXPO has signed up trade groups to help urge their members to attend or exhibit. These include the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the Manufacturers’ Association for Plastics Processors (MAPP), the American Mold Builders Association (AMBA), the Canadian Association of Moldmakers (CAMM), the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Extrusion Division and Chicago Section. Delahanty notes that PTXPO expects to line up support from additional trade groups in the weeks ahead. Each of the associations will have a presence in the exhibit area.

Noted Allison Kline-Miller, GBM’s chief events officer, “The Midwest is the hub of plastics manufacturing and PTXPO is excited to be the first major industry event in the area since 2009. Our research revealed that plastics processors are eager to reconnect in this thriving region to do business face-to-face. And support from industry associations is consistent with our mission to create a trade show to connect the entire North American plastics market under one roof.”

Said Tony Radoszewski, president and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS). “We’re proud to announce a new partnership between PLASTICS and Gardner Business Media to kick off what is sure to be an exciting 2022 for the plastics industry. This type of synergy demonstrates that our industry is best served when working together. Undoubtedly, our industry as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Leaders of other major industry associations—including the two major groups representing moldmakers and processors—are similarly on board.

“The American Mold Builders Association (AMBA) is very excited to support PTXPO, which will provide a fantastic opportunity in off-NPE years for the U.S. moldmaking industry to connect with the entire plastics supply chain,” states AMBA Managing Director Kym Conis. “As an association laser-focused on providing a competitive edge to its members, we see such a comprehensive event as a significant advantage for those U.S. mold manufacturers and plastics processors seeking to foster and strengthen their domestic supply chains.”

Adds Troy Nix, executive director of the Manufacturers’ Association for Plastics Processors (MAPP), “The MAPP association is pleased to partner with PTXPO to bring the plastics and mold-building industry together this spring. MAPP has a long history of helping plastic processors stay competitive in an ever-changing marketplace, and we believe that the U.S. manufacturing sector will succeed and win if we work together, which is the focus of this event. What an exciting time to be in the plastics industry!”