The Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) is proud to announce its inaugural "Innovation in PVC" conference, to be held on Wednesday, 30 August 2023 in the auditorium at Sasol Place in Sandton, Johannesburg. The one-day event will bring together approximately 200 delegates from across the vinyls industry in Southern Africa, including raw material and additive suppliers, manufacturers of vinyl products, importers, and recyclers.

The conference will showcase the latest innovations and developments in the local vinyl industry, with a call for papers going out to all role-players. Speakers will have the opportunity to deliver a 30-minute presentation on any new product innovation or development that is impacting and benefiting the local vinyl industry.

"We are thrilled to be hosting this ground-breaking event for the local vinyls industry," said Monique Holtzhausen, CEO of SAVA. "This conference will provide a platform for local innovators to showcase their products and services, as well as an opportunity for delegates to network with other industry professionals. We are hoping to make this an annual event that will grow both in size and impact”.

The conference will also feature a dedicated exhibition space where companies can display their products and services for conference delegates. Major players in the local PVC industry and members of SAVA have agreed to donate cash prizes, which will be awarded to the best presentations, stands, or projects with the most potential for positively impacting the local industry. Sponsors wishing to come onboard to support the event and encourage innovation, closed-loop management and the growth of the industry, are also encouraged to make contact with SAVA as soon as possible.

The cost to attend the conference is R2 000 (excluding VAT) for SAVA members and R2 500 (excluding VAT) for non-SAVA members. The registration fee includes access to all presentations and the exhibition space, coffee & tea breaks, lunch and the cocktail function after the conference during which the prizes will be awarded. Presenters will be afforded access to the conference at no charge.

"This symposium is a unique opportunity for anyone interested in the vinyls industry to learn about the latest innovations and network with their peers," said Holtzhausen. "We encourage anyone with an interest in the industry to attend and submit a proposal to present their innovation."

The deadline for abstract submissions is 30 June 2023, after which the final line-up of speakers will be communicated.