The “ANTEC” conference, organised by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE, Bethel, Connecticut / USA; www.4spe.org), is to merge with the “PlastiCon” conference from the Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association (GPCA, Dubai / UAE; www.gpca.org.ae) to provide a focal point for information and technical knowledge for the polymer and plastics industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The joint conference will take place for the first time in early 2016 in Dubai / UAE and will also host the 6th edition of the GPCA “Plastics Excellence Awards”.

Both GPCA and SPE believe that joining forces in organising the event will bring benefits to the industry. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, secretary general of the GPCA, said: “Now in its 7th edition, 'PlastiCon' has gained a reputation as the unique venue for gaining critical insights along the entire polymer value chain... Partnering with SPE allows us to reinforce our commitment to providing a forum for plastics producers and converters to meet and to tap into the network and technical know-how of SPE.”

SPE’s CEO Willem De Vos said that partnering with the GPCA gives access to a forum of polymers and plastics producers in the GCC, allowing SPE to reach a wider audience and bring knowledge to a region where polymer and plastic converting is growing and evolving from commodities to more engineering and speciality products.