WASHINGTON — The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council has announced that Vivek Wadhwa, a notable entrepreneur and author, will offer his insights on cultivating tomorrow’s industry leaders and on the outlook for science and technology in the United States at the 2014 Polyurethanes Technical Conference. The conference will take place Sept. 22-24 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Dallas.

“We are honored to have Mr. Wadhwa deliver this year’s keynote address,” said Lee Salamone, senior director of CPI. “His insights on developing industry leaders and the future of science and technology are particularly important as the polyurethanes industry works to develop products that that people use daily around the world.”

Wadhwa is considered one of the 40 most influential minds in tech, according to Time magazine. His expertise is in engineering education, the globalization of innovation, diversity in business, American competitive advantages in entrepreneurship and university-research commercialization. Wadhwa is currently a fellow at the Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University, director of research at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering, and Vice President of Academics and Innovation at Singularity University.

Wadhwa will deliver the keynote address during the Opening Session on Monday, Sept. 22.

During the Opening Session, attendees will also hear from CPI Senior Director Lee Salamone and 2014 Conference Committee Chair Paul Duffy, who will officially open the Conference and introduce this year’s Innovation Award finalists. Tom Feige, CPI Steering Committee vice chair, will provide an update on CPI’s latest activities and discuss the future of the polyurethanes industry.  

The conference features more than 60 technical presentations by industry experts and government officials. Register before Aug. 29 to receive a $200 discount. Hotel reservations should be made directly through the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center by calling 817-778-3000 or using this dedicated link. To receive CPI’s group rate, please refer to the Polyurethanes Technical Conference when making your reservation.

 For more information, visit www.americanchemistry.com.