The American Composites Manufacturers Association expects to host more than 200 attendees and industry professionals for the Thermoplastic Composites Conference 2020: A Virtual Experience. The updated event, which was initially planned to be held in San Diego, Calif., on April 29-May 1, transitioned to a virtual format — to be held on the same dates — in response to CDC recommendations to limit large gatherings, conferences and events due to COVID-19.

The conference program will explore applications and technology for high performance thermoplastic composites. The preliminary conference program, including speaker and session descriptions, is available on the conference website. The confirmed program will be announced in early April. Additionally, the event will host exhibitors and sponsors in a virtual exhibitor marketplace with online displays of products and services. The conference program will include several panels as well as keynote presenters from Boeing and Ford Motor Co. with insights on the latest processes and applications for thermoplastic composites in aerospace and automotive markets.

 The three-day virtual event is expected to focus on new applications and share best practices from industry leaders who have designed, simulated and modeled materials, parts, and processes for improved manufacturability. The conference program also will focus on reducing material costs while maintaining quality, capacity for scaleup and optimized process automation.

Registration for the virtual event is now open at www.acmanet.org/TCC20.