SPE Thermoset TopCon 2026 traverses AI and its benefit to thermosets
Call for papers, sponsors and exhibitors are now open for the May 12-13, 2026 event in Wisconsin, which will focus on emerging innovations in thermoset composites and how AI is playing a role.
Source | SPE Thermoset Div.
The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Thermoset Division (Bethel, Conn., U.S.) is officially calling for papers, exhibitors and sponsors for the annual event being held May 12-13, 2026, at the Monona Terrace and Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin. The event theme is “The Future of Thermosets and Emerging Industry Innovations.”
“Advancements in AI are speeding developments in all industries. This year’s SPE Thermoset TopCon will highlight how the thermoset industry can benefit from this growing technology,” says Sean Campbell, sales and marketing manager, engineered composites at LyondellBasell and SPE Thermoset Div. chair. “We are planning to bring in AI industry experts to present how the technology is changing the world overall, include specific applications to benefit the thermoset industry, and inform attendees on how to use and apply AI to benefit themselves and their companies. In addition, industry associations will update us on what they’re doing to benefit our industry and how we can help.”
The SPE Thermoset TopCon 2026 will follow the 2025 format featuring keynotes, technical presentations and exhibits highlighting advances in materials, processes and equipment for thermoset technologies in multiple applications. The 2-day conference also includes networking breakfasts, lunches and a cocktail reception. Optional social events, including a tour of the Polymer Engineering Center at UW – Madison, golf outing at University Ridge Golf Course and a cruise of the Madison shoreline are offered on May 11, the day before the conference begins.
The 2025 SPE Thermoset Topcon was made possible by the support of sponsors including:
- Reception Sponsor: Plastics Engineering Co. (Plenco)
- Lunch Sponsors: Mar-Bal and Omya Specialty Materials
- Breakfast Sponsors: IDI Composites International and LyondellBasell
- Platinum Sponsors: Composites One, Owens Corning and Zehrco-Giancola Composites
- Gold Sponsors: Johns Manville, Technick Products, American Colors, Neptune Nano, Penn Compression Molding, Cimbar Resources, ALTA Performance Materials, McClarin Composites, Century Tool and Huber Materials
- Silver Sponsors: ICT Molding Solutions Inc, Lambient Technologies, Molding Products, Core Molding Technologies, fmtec solution NA Inc., Glenwood Tool & Mold, Netzsch Process Intelligence GmbH and Colt Plastics
- Media/Association Sponsors: CompositesWorld, Plastics Technology, Plastics News, Urethanes Technology
The mission of SPE is to promote scientific and engineering knowledge relating to plastics and composites worldwide and to educate industry, academia and the public about the technological advances. SPE’s Thermoset Division is active in educating, promoting, recognizing and communicating technical accomplishments in thermoset technology in multiple industries. Topic areas include applications, materials, processing, equipment, tooling, design and development.
