TRFA welcomes record number of attendees to annual meeting.
Press Release Summary:
During 2010 Annual Meeting, TRFA hosted 129 attendees representing 62 companies. In addition to 15 technical presentations, association presented its first "Excellence in Thermoset Polymer Research Award," to Krishna C. Etika of Texas A & M University for "Utilization of Clay-Carbon Nanoparticle Synergy for Enhancing Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites." Association also recognized Dr. Vinay Mishra, R&D Manager, ITW Devcon, for his dedication to TRFA since its formation.
Original Press Release:
TRFA Welcomes Record Number of Attendees to 2010 Annual Meeting
Glen, Ellyn, IL - The Thermoset Resin Formulators Association (TRFA) hosted a record 129 attendees representing 62 companies at its 2010 Annual Meeting, September 12 - 14 at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas. The association, which was launched just eight years ago, is proud not only of these attendance numbers, but of attendee satisfaction. In a post meeting survey 100% of attendees ranked the event as meeting or exceeding expectations.
In addition to 15 technical presentations, the association presented its first "Excellence in Thermoset Polymer Research Award," to Krishna C. Etika of Texas A & M University for "Utilization of Clay-Carbon Nanoparticle Synergy for Enhancing Electrical and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites." He is currently working on an NSF sponsored research project with Professor Jaime C. Grunlan as his advisor and has recently been appointed Instructor of Texas A & M sophomore level materials science core course for Fall 2010.
In a separate presentation, the association recognized Dr. Vinay Mishra, R&D Manager, ITW Devcon, for his dedication to TRFA since its formation. Mishra served as the first Conference Chair in 2003 and continued providing leadership as a Board member, Treasurer, Vice President and, for the past two years, has led the organization as President. Under his guidance TRFA has maintained a strong technical presence as exemplified by the 15 outstanding papers being presented at this meeting, established a special relationship with the Adhesives and Sealants Council that allows our members to attend their meetings, webinars and access other ASC resources at their member price, developed a new website that promotes our members and the industry, and encourages solutions to industry questions with ASK TRFA answers from our Market Focused Committees. The Excellence in Thermoset Polymer Research Award presented at this meeting is more than just the result of Mishra's leadership. In fact it was his idea and was mentored by Mishra from its inception.
The 2010 Annual Meeting schedule also included a Product Showcase, meetings of TRFA's market focused committees, and ample informal networking opportunities for attendees. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Krish Vora, Senior Research Specialist with the Electrical Market Division of 3M Company based in Austin, Texas.
In addition to annual meetings, TRFA members benefit from industry-specific programming throughout the year, additional Internet visibility for member companies with links from the TRFA member list to member websites, quarterly newsletters, a Members-Only section on the TRFA website with access to a member address book, previous Technical Papers, a list of Testing Standards for TRFA, minutes and other TRFA-specific information, important and timely regulatory updates affecting material suppliers and formulators, and the opportunity to deepen established industry and professional relationships and develop new ones with industry participants who can provide information on issues of common concern.
TRFA is comprised of thermoset formulators, raw material suppliers, distributors, equipment manufacturers, manufacturer sales representatives of materials or equipment, importers of raw materials or processing or other equipment, consulting firms and academic institutions serving industries which include adhesives, coatings, civil engineering applications, electrical laminates, composites, tooling, castings and moldings. To learn more about TRFA, please visit the website at www.trfa.org or contact the association at (630) 942-6596.
