Leading Through Disruption s s
Executive Leadership Conference 2025
This is an exclusive opportunity!
I cordially invite you to the 2025 ASC Executive Leadership Conference, the annual gathering of the adhesive and sealant industry’s executives. This year’s conference will be held at the Don Cesar in St. Pete Beach, Florida, October 20-22, 2025.
As you know, this exclusive event is uniquely designed for leaders like you—those at the executive level within the adhesive and sealant value chain. Sessions and speakers focus on topics relevant for industry executives that help you stay ahead of the curve in 2025 and beyond.
Hear from some of the most influential voices inside and outside of our industry, some of whom you won’t hear anywhere else and others you may hire for your next leadership team retreat.
Topics you will hear this year include:
• Innovation Leadership. Dr. Jayshree Seth, Chief Science Advocate & Corporate Scientist, 3M
• Building Resilience in Times of Disruption. Stephan Liozu, Ph.D., Founder, Value Disruption Advisors
• Mergers & Acquistions. Alain Harfouche, Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Securities, LLC.
• AI & Supply Chain. Lisa Yu, Founder & President, American Gold Standard
• Leading with Vision & Instinct. Megan Gluth, Leadership & Motivational Speaker, Catalynt Solutions
• Economic Outlook. Kevin Swift, Managing Director, Swift Economic LLC Attendees will also take home newly published books by two of our keynotes, Dr. Seth and Dr. Liozu.
Additionally, outstanding industry “giants” will be inducted into ASC’s Adhesive and Sealant Hall of Fame. This is a special moment when our industry pauses to recognize their contributions and honor them with our gratitude for bettering our industry. In addition, there are numerous opportunities to network with your industry peers, such as our golf outing, cornhole tournament, and off-site excursions with special activities for spouses and guests. The nightly receptions and dinners are always a great way to reflect on the day’s presentations and extend the networking.
Complete details about the agenda, conference venue, networking, and registration are available at ASCouncil.org or contact me with any questions at (301) 986-9715. See you in St. Pete Beach!
Sincerely,
Bill Allmond PRESIDENT
The Don Cesar
3400 Gulf Boulevard
St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Phone: (800) 282-1116
Group code: ASC 2025 Executive Leadership Conference/G-20NU
The Don Cesar is the historic beach front Pink Palace® (circa 1928) perched atop the windswept dunes of St. Pete Beach, combining glamor and leisure with elegant Art Deco and contemporary design.
Group rate: $309+ per night
Cut off group rate: September 22, 2025
CANCELLATION POLICY: Registration deadline for the Regular Rate is September 26, 2025. Registration fee will increase by 20% after September 26. No refunds after September 26, 2025.
Regular Rate – After July
IMPORTANT: ASC works directly with the hotel and does not work with third parties working on behalf of the hotel and/or the Council. Be sure you use this booking link or contact the hotel directly to make your hotel reservations. The group rate is available until 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, September 22, 2025. Reserve your room as soon as possible as the group rate will not be available if the ASC room block sells out prior to the deadline.
Reservation requests received after September 22, 2025, will be charged standard rates as rooms are available. If you contact the hotel directly at 800-282-1116 to secure the discounted group rate, please mention that you are attending the ASC Executive Leadership Conference. ASC kindly asks that you only reserve the number of rooms you need, so other attendees will not be turned away because the ASC hotel room block is full. We appreciate your consideration.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
**Note: Registered spouses/guests are welcome to attend sessions.
Monday, October 20
Noon to 5:00 p.m. ASC BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING (includes lunch)
6:30 to 7:00 p.m. SPOUSE/GUEST MEET AND GREET RECEPTION
This event is designed for spouses/guests to network and plan out the next two and half days.
7:00 to 9:30 p.m. OPENING RECEPTION & DINNER
All registered guests are invited to attend.
Tuesday, October 21
6:15 a.m. MORNING WELLNESS: ASC YOGA CLASS
Instructor: Megan Gluth, Leadership & Motivational Speaker
Stretch out your day with some morning yoga. Registered guests are welcome.
7:30 a.m. REGISTRATION
7:30 to 8:30 a.m. NETWORKING BREAKFAST
All attendees, including registered guests, are invited to this breakfast.
8:30 to 8:45 a.m. PROGRAM OVERVIEW
8:45 to 10:00 a.m. INNOVATION LEADERSHIP: PERSPECTIVE FROM THE TRENCHES
Fireside chat with Dr. Jayshree Seth, Chief Science Advocate & Corporate Scientist at 3M
A corporate innovator with 80 patents and over three decades of experience developing innovative products and technologies at 3M, Jayshree provides a unique and practical viewpoint on the topics of innovation, leadership, culture and careers. In 2025, Jayshree was named to the prestigious Thinkers50 Radar that lists thought leaders whose ideas are most likely to shape the future of organizations and management. In this session we will be discussing some of these ideas, actionable frameworks and mental models, useful for corporate innovators, managers, executives and leaders as they navigate the current business landscape.
10:00 to 10:15 a.m. BREAK & BOOK SIGNING
10:00 a.m. to SPOUSE/GUEST TOUR: BEACH DRIVE WINE
2:30 p.m. & DINE TOUR (registration required)
See pages 7-8 for description.
10:20 to DISRUPT BEFORE YOU’RE DISRUPTED: THE CASE FOR 11:20 p.m. INTENTIONAL REINVENTION
Stephan Liozu, Ph.D., Founder, Value Disruption Advisors
Disruption is no longer an occasional storm—it’s the climate for the next few years. After five years of supply chain shocks, geopolitical instability, digital acceleration, and shifting customer expectations, the challenge for industrial leaders is not just to adapt but to evolve proactively. In this keynote, we will explore why leading through disruption now means mastering the art of self-
Leading Through Disruption s s s s s
disruption. We’ll examine the major forces reshaping the adhesives and sealants industry— from technology to sustainability to new business models—and why traditional strategy tools fall short in today’s fractured and dynamic landscape. More importantly, we’ll outline what it takes to build an organization that is agile by design and resilient in practice. This includes shifting from linear planning to dynamic navigation, fostering a growth mindset that embrace experimentation, and rethinking leadership to prepare teams for the next inevitable disruptive break—not just the one they’ve just weathered. Whether you’re facing macroeconomic headwinds or breakthrough innovation challenges, this session will equip you with a leadership lens for building businesses that don’t just survive disruption—but grow through it.
11:25 a.m. to ADHESIVES AND SEALANTS M&A UPDATE – VALUE
12:25 p.m. CREATION CONSIDERATIONS
Alain Harfouche, Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Securities, LLC.
In this presentation, we will provide an update on the Adhesives and Sealants M&A market, including recent sector and valuation trends. We will highlight drivers of M&A activity, the role of financial sponsors in scaling platforms, and share perspectives on various value enhancing strategies.
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. NETWORKING LUNCH
All attendees, including registered guests, are invited to this lunch.
1:30 to 2:30 p.m. THE AI IMPERATIVE: REIMAGINING SUPPLY CHAIN, PROFIT MARGINS, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Lisa Yu, Founder & President, American Gold Standard AI is no longer optional - it’s a strategic imperative for executives seeking competitive advantage in today’s rapidly evolving adhesive and sealant industry. This session will explore how AI is leveraged to predict supply chain disruptions, optimize inventory management, significantly reduce manufacturing costs, and deliver highly personalized customer experiences. Drawing from real-world examples, attendees will gain actionable insights into some of the most profound disruptors to our industry.
2:30 to 2:45 p.m. DAY ONE WRAP UP
2:45 to 5:45 p.m. TEAM BUILDING & NETWORKING CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
(grab your team) See pages 7-8 for description.
TIME ON YOUR OWN – Enjoy the beach
6:30 to 9:00 p.m. CHAIR’S RECEPTION & DINNER WITH HALL OF FAME AWARD PRESENTATION
All attendees, including registered guests, are invited to the reception and dinner. sponsored by sponsored by
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Wednesday, October 22
7:30 to 8:30 a.m. NETWORKING BREAKFAST
All attendees, including registered guests, are invited to this breakfast.
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. RESILIENCE UNDER PRESSURE: LEADING THROUGH INDUSTRY DISRUPTIONS WITH VISION AND INSTINCT
Megan Gluth, Leadership & Motivational Speaker
The chemical industry faces constant change economic shifts, regulatory pressures, and supply chain disruptions create an unpredictable landscape. Yet, the best leaders don’t just react, they anticipate, adapt, and stay committed to their long-term vision. Meg will share how leaders can develop pattern recognition learning to spot early signals of industry change and make bold moves before disruption hits. She’ll discuss the role of gut instinct in decision-making, balancing data-driven analysis with the intuition that comes from experience. How do you know when to pivot and when to stay the course? Drawing from her own journey of overcoming personal and professional adversity from financial struggles to addiction recovery, Meg will illustrate how resilience is built in moments of uncertainty and how setbacks, when framed correctly, can become a competitive advantage.
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. OUTLOOK FOR THE ECONOMY AND ADHESIVE & SEALANT INDUSTRY
Kevin Swift, Managing Director, Swift Economic LLC
Dr. Swift will examine how the US and global economy has performed and what we should expect. After examining the macroeconomic landscape, he will then examine the prospects for building & construction, automotive, other OEM, and consumer markets. Dr. Swift will then assess the outlook for adhesives and sealants in the United States and beyond. Finally, he will review megatrends shaping long-term adhesive and sealant markets.
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. HOW THE ECONOMY/TARIFFS IMPACTING YOUR COMPANY?
CEO Panel - to be announced
11:30 to 11:45 a.m. DAY TWO WRAP UP
Noon to 5:30 p.m. AFTERNOON ON YOUR OWN
• Golf Outing – Bardmoor Golf Club
Bardmoor was founded in 1971 by Oliver Bardes, a wealthy Ohio industrialist who was an avid golfer. Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club is one of the premier public golf courses in the Tampa Bay area. For more than a dozen years, the Club was the host site for the PGA and LPGA JCPenney Classic, as well as many prestigious local tournaments.
See pages 7-8 for description.
• Egmont Key Island Tour with Lunch
Egmont Key Island boat ride offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and sometimes even manatees! Scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Includes lunch.
See pages 7-8 for description.
6:00 to 9:00 p.m. HAVANA NETWORKING RECEPTION & DINNER
MEET OUR SPEAKERS
ALAIN HARFOUCHE, Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Securities
Alain is a Senior Managing Director in the Industrial Investment Banking Group of Guggenheim Securities. He has over a decade of experience advising Chemicals and Materials companies on growth and value creation strategies. Prior to joining Guggenheim, Alain served as Managing Director and Head of Chemicals at KeyBanc Capital Markets. Throughout his tenure at Guggenheim and KeyBanc, Alain was involved in over 50 M&A assignments and 60 DCM and ECM transactions for companies in the Chemicals and Materials sector. He has strong domain expertise spanning commodities, intermediates, and specialties, with notable experience in engineered materials, additives, fine chemicals (Electronics, Personal Care, Lifesciences). Prior to his investment banking career, Alain worked in transaction advisory services at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte. Alain graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Finance and Accounting from CSU and holds several designations including a CPA license (inactive).
MEGAN GLUTH, Leadership & Motivational Speaker
Meg Gluth is the owner and CEO of Catalynt Solutions, Inc., one of the largest certified women-owned chemical distributors in North America. She is the First Female Chair of the Board of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD), driving industry innovation and leadership. Under her guidance, Catalynt was named to the 2023 Middle Market Fast 50 list by Puget Sound Business Journal, where she was also honored as a Fast 50 Leader. Meg is a winner of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2023, recognizing her impact on business growth and innovation.
JAYSHREE SETH, Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate, 3M
Jayshree Seth is a Corporate Scientist at 3M and currently holds 80 patents for a variety of innovations. She joined 3M in 1993 after an MS and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University, New York. Jayshree was appointed 3M’s first ever Chief Science Advocate in 2018 and is using her scientific knowledge, technical expertise and professional experience to advance science and the importance of STEM-based innovation and a robust talent pipeline to drive it. Jayshree is also a member of Carlton Society, the 3M science and innovation “Hall of Fame.” In 2020, she was awarded Society of Women Engineers (SWE) highest Achievement Award and in 2025, she was named to the prestigious Thinkers50 Radar spotlighting thinkers whose ideas are most likely to shape the future. Jayshree is a TEDx speaker and was also featured in a docuseries titled Not the Science Type. She is the author of The Heart of Science trilogy published by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and all sales proceeds go to a scholarship for women in STEM. She is a sought-after speaker on a multitude of topics such as innovation, leadership, careers and STEM advocacy and has featured in local, national and international media.
LISA YU, Founder & President, American Gold Standard
Lisa Yu is the founder and president of American Gold Standard, an AI-forward next generation business growth consulting firm. She also serves as Managing Partner and Practice Lead for Growth Acceleration and M&A at Pepper Foster Consulting. With over 20 years of experience as a C-suite advisor, Lisa has collaborated with numerous clients to tackle critical growth challenges. Previously, Lisa held leadership roles at TCS’ Manufacturing M&A Practice and Accenture Strategy Practice. She is renowned for championing nextgeneration technologies to propel business growth and developing innovative strategic approaches to amplify business growth. Her expertise is showcased in various publications, including “AI for M&A - Hype or Substance?” Lisa holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business and is a graduate of Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management’s “Leading with Analytics Powered Strategy” executive program.
KEVIN SWIFT, Managing Director, Swift Economic LLC
Dr. Swift is managing director of Swift Economics, a consultancy specializing in the interaction of the economy and specialty & fine chemical markets. He also is an economic advisor at ICIS where he is responsible for quarterly thought pieces addressing key market dynamics and is demand advisor for long-term supply demand balances. He joined ICIS after retiring as chief economist at the American Chemistry Council. Prior to joining ACC, Dr. Swift headed market research and forecasting at two consultancies.. He started his career at Dow Chemical. Dr. Swift is a Fellow and former president of the National Association for Business Economics and a member of the Harvard Discussion Group of Industrial Economists and National Business Economics Issues Council. He is a member of The Wall Street Journal Forecasters’ Survey panel and other forecast survey panels. Author of A History of American Business Cycles.
ASC invites you and your spouse/guests to continue building camaraderie throughout the event!
Below are options that allow for networking outside of the meeting room. You and a spouse/guest can register via ASC website at www.ascouncil.org/Leadership.
GROUP ACTIVITIES & TOURS
MORNING WELLNESS: ASC YOGA CLASS
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
6:15 to 7:00 a.m.
Stretch out your day by starting with some morning yoga. These restorative sessions are the perfect way for attendees of all levels to start their day!
Spouse/Guest Tour: BEACH DRIVE WINE & DINE TOUR
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tour will provide history of The Vinoy, Fresco’s Waterfront, Bella Brava, St. Pete Pier, Dracula’s Legacy and a visit to Kilwins. Lunch will be provided.
Price ................................... $186 per person
Team Building & Networking: ASC CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
2:45 to 5:45 p.m.
Feeling energetic and competitive? Register for this double elimination cornhole tournament. Two courts/up to four teams. Will change depending on the number of participants.
sponsored by
Group Tour: EGMONT KEY ISLAND TOUR WITH LUNCH
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Noon to 5:30 p.m.
Egmont Key Island boat ride offers great chances to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and sometimes even manatees! Guests can also explore Fort Dade, the largest fort on the island. Scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Includes lunch.
Price
$195 per person
GOLF BARDMOOR GOLF CLUB
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | Noon to 5:30 p.m.
Bardmoor was founded in 1971 by Oliver Bardes, a wealthy Ohio industrialist who was an avid golfer. Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club is one of the premier public golf courses in the Tampa Bay area. For more than a dozen years, the Club was the host site for the PGA and LPGA JCPenney Classic, as well as many prestigious local tournaments.
Golf
Get in front of executive thought leaders by supporting this VIP event via sponsorships.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS: MEMBER
Platinum Corporate Sponsor $6,000 $8,000 Company listed on event website, final event program, and on-site signage. Two complimentary attendee registrations, & one complimentary registration for an on-site activity.
Gold Corporate Sponsor $3,500 $5,500 Company listed on event website, final event program, and on-site signage. One complimentary attendee registration.
Silver Corporate Sponsor $500 $1,500 Company listed on event website, final event program, and on-site signage. One complimentary registration for an on-site group activity.
EVENT ACTIVITY SPONSORSHIPS:
Speaker Sponsor $1,500 $3,000
Company listed on event website, final event program, and on-site signage. Five-minute introduction of your company & introduction of keynote.
On-site Final Program (Exclusive) $3,000 $5,000
Company listed on event website, front & back cover of final event program, and on-site signage.
Opening Reception & Dinner $6,000 $7,000 (Exclusive)
Company listed on event website, final event program, and on-site signage. One complimentary attendee registration.
Networking Breakfasts & Lunch $2,000 $3,500
Company listed on event website, final event EACH
program, and on-site signage.
Chair’s Dinner & Hall of Fame
$10,000 $15,000 Ceremony Gold (Exclusive)
Company listed on event website, final event program, dinner menu card, and on-site signage. One complimentary attendee registration + one complimentary spouse/partner registration.
Golf Outing $3,500 $3,900
Company listed on event website, final event program, and on-site signage. Two complimentary golf greens fees + clubs rentals.
Closing Reception & Dinner $6,000 $7,500 (Exclusive)
Company listed on event website, final event program, and on-site signage. One complimentary attendee registration.
Group Activities $3,500 $4,500
Company listed on event website, final event EACH EACH program, and on-site signage. Two complimentary registrations to an on-site group activity.
