SPE announces new location for 2024 Automotive Innovative Awards Gala

The Automotive Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers (Detroit, Mich., U.S.) announces the Laurel Manor Banquet & Conference Center in Livonia, Michigan as the new location for its Automotive Innovation Awards Competition & Gala scheduled for Nov. 13, 2024. The event location is changed due to the unforeseen closure of the Burton Manor in Livonia, Michigan, where the event was held for many years. 

“We are looking forward to celebrating innovation in automotive plastics at the Laurel Manor and confident that our attendees will enjoy the event at its new location,” says Jeffrey Helms, global automotive director, Celanese and SPE Automotive Innovation Awards gala chair.  

This will be the 53rd annual SPE Automotive Innovation Awards Gala. The main exhibit area opens for general admission at 4:30 p.m., and guests can review this year’s Automotive Innovation Awards nominations (currently more than 70 nominations) and enjoy the vehicles on display. A VIP reception, sponsored by Celanese, begins at 4 p.m. Dinner begins at 6:15 p.m. and the awards program lasts from 7:00-9:00 p.m. For those who wish to extend merrymaking and networking activities, the ever-popular Afterglow runs from 9:00-11:00 p.m.  

 

SPE’s Automotive Innovation Awards Program is claimed to be the oldest and largest competition of its kind. Dozens of teams made up of OEMs, Tier suppliers and polymer producers submit nominations describing their part, system or complete vehicle and why it merits the claim as the Year’s Most Innovative Use of Plastics. This annual event typically draws over 500 OEM engineers, automotive and plastics industry executives and media. Funds raised from this event are used to support SPE educational efforts and technical seminars, which help educate and secure the role of plastics in the advancement of the automobile.