The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS; Washington, DC) and IHS Markit (London) will hold the fifth annual Global Plastics Summit (GPS) in Chicago on Oct. 11 to 13, 2017. The summit will convene more than 300 plastics industry experts and thought leaders from around the world for a comprehensive outlook and review of  the plastics industry in 2017 and beyond.

This year’s speakers include U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.); Diego Donoso, President of the Packaging & Specialty Plastics business at Dow Chemical; and IHS Markit Chief Economist Nariman Behravesh, among many others.

“The long anticipated wave of new cost-competitive global polyethylene production capacity is imminent, and will trigger a significant shift in critical market dynamics,” said Nick Vafiadis, Vice President of Global Polyolefins and Plastics at IHS Markit. ”We are expecting to see changes in polyethylene prices, margins, trade flows and even buyer/seller relationships as the industry adapts to this important new dynamic.”

The comprehensive program at GPS 2017 will feature analysis and insight from key thought leaders and IHS Markit and PLASTICS experts associated with major commodity and specialty plastics. This world class gathering will empower key decision-makers to succeed in today’s dynamic marketplace, said PLASTICS in a press release.

“As the association representing the entire plastics supply chain, PLASTICS is especially looking forward to heading to Chicago for this year’s Global Plastics Summit with an overall positive outlook and spirit about the state of manufacturing,” said PLASTICS’ President and CEO William R. Carteaux. “We are thrilled to welcome our Chief Economist Perc Pineda this year, in addition to a host of game changers who will talk about plastics innovation.”

The event features a day of industry training workshops, followed by two main conference program days. Day one of the main conference program (Oct. 12) will include a keynote session from Donoso of Dow Chemical on the importance of ensuring a sustainable future of growth for plastics, as well as IHS Markit outlooks and question-and-answer sessions from producers, processors and brand owners. Day two (Oct. 13) will focus on innovation in plastics in key end markets such as automotive, building and construction, medical devices and packaging.

An early-bird discount is available to attendees who register for GPS 2017 by August 25.