CSPA Convenes Household & Institutional Products Industry Leaders In Chicago

Online, March 22, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) - the voice for the household and institutional products industries - will host its annual Mid-Year Meeting on May 3-6, 2011 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown.

The CSPA Mid-Year Meeting attracts participation from hundreds of companies representing all CSPA divisions--aerosol; air care; cleaners; polishes; automotive care; antimicrobial; and pest management. Special programming plus committee and board meetings provide attendees an opportunity to discuss key issues and learn new methods for business improvement, as well as gauge the state of the industry at the year's midway point.

"Unlike our Annual Meeting which presents our industry with an opportunity to reflect upon the year that was as well as forecast for the upcoming year, the Mid-Year Meeting is an opportunity to take the temperature of our industry in the present and make adjustments as needed," said Chris Cathcart, president and CEO, CSPA.

CSPA began hosting the Mid-Year Meeting in Chicago in the late 1960s when the organization was still known as the Chemical Specialty Manufacturers Association. The association initially selected Chicago as the host city due to its close proximity to many CSPA member companies.

During the early days the event was more of a scientific affairs symposium primarily attended by member representatives with backgrounds in product technology. Over the years, due to the pace of industry change and how issues that affected industry developed in real time, the event evolved into a meeting that more closely resembled the end of the year Annual Meeting.

"With the changing complexity and timeliness of the issues requiring attention from industry, it became more of a strategic benefit to expand the scope of the Mid-Year Meeting and incorporate different components that addressed the challenges faced by our members," added Cathcart.

For those attending it is not only an opportunity for fellowship and networking, but also for learning about the positive things happening within industry and discussing the important issues of the day. In addition to various CSPA division and committee meetings, the Mid-Year meeting focuses on critical matters on the state and federal legislative fronts.

This year's Mid-Year Meeting theme is "Finding Opportunity in Adversity" and will feature a keynote by Chicago businessman and native, Christopher Gardner, the author of the book and subject in the movie of the same title - "The Pursuit of Happyness." Gardner will meet with leaders from the household products industry to address how new opportunities can develop when faced with adversity and uncertainty.

To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, learn more about the events, or to register for the Mid-Year Meeting, visit online at www.cspa.org or call (202) 872-8110.

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