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The Polyurethane Professional Development Program

CPI's Education Center has been offering the Professional Development Program (PDP) for two decades. This program is designed for both experienced professionals and newcomers in the polyurethane industry. The PDP programs offers an extensive range of courses covering topics relevant to technical and non-technical experts.

The PDP courses are taught by industry-leading experts and cover introductory, advanced, and specialized topics.

Professional Development Program Class

Who Should Attend?

  • Suppliers
  • Producers
  • Chemical & Equipment Distributors
  • Manufacturers
  • Marketing Professionals

Why Should You Attend?

  • Increase your understanding of the basics of PU chemistry, processing, and end uses.
  • Learn about the latest standards, trends, and developments in the PU industry.
  • Learn from experts about how new regulations and market expectations are leading to changes in formulations, products, and processing.

Courses & Instructors

The Professional Development Program is a hybrid program that offers virtual and in-person courses. The virtual portion of the PDP will begin in September. In-person courses will be held concurrently with the Polyurethanes Technical Conference.

Please note:
  • In-person PDP attendees MUST be registered to the CPI Technical Conference.
  • The in-person PDP package includes access to virtual PDP courses.
  • All virtual courses will be held from 11 am – 1:00 pm ET, except for PU 205 which will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 pm ET

2024 PDP Course Schedule

PU 100: Introduction to the Polyurethane Industry

Course Date: September 3, 2024

Format: Virtual

Instructors: Yonghui Zhang, Dow

Course Outline

PU 101: Polyurethane Chemistry

Course Date: September 29, 2024

Format:  In-Person

Instructors: Brandon Parks, Covestro, Mike Jeffries, Covestro

Course Outline

PU 102A: Flexible Polyurethane Foam Market Overview

Course Date: September 30, 2024

Format: In-Person

Instructors: Chris Thiede, Dow

Course Outline

PU 102B: Rigid Polyurethane Foam Market Overview

Course Date: September 10, 2024

Format: Virtual

Instructors: Fernand Saad, BASF

Course Outline

PU 104A: Polyurethane Adhesives & Sealants

Course Date: September 30, 2024

Format: In-Person

Instructors: Tom Willumstad, Dow, Bindu Krishan, Dow

Course Outline

PU 104B: Polyurethane Coatings and Elastomers

Course Date: October 1, 2024

Format: In-Person

Instructors: Steven Reinstadtler, Covestro

Course Outline

PU 105: Introduction to Polyurethane Processing & Equipment

Course Date:  September 30, 2024

Format:  In-Person

Instructors: Andrea Bartolini, Cannon

Course Outline

PU 106: Introduction to Composites

Course Date: October 1, 2024

Format:  In-Person

Instructors: Andrea Bartolini, Cannon, Kevin Meyer, Dow

Course Outline

PU 107: Introduction to Surfactants, Catalysts and Additives

Course Date: September 5, 2024

Format: Virtual

Instructors: David Zugell, Evonik, Theo Diplas, Repi

Course Outline

** NEW PU 108: Battery Assembly Materials for Electric Vehicles**

Course Date: September 17, 2024

Format: Virtual

Instructors: Praveen Agarwal, Dow and Elias Shakour, BASF

Course Outline

PU 201: Polyurethane Raw Materials Testing, Specifications and Performance: "The Myth and the Magic"

Course Date: September 12, 2024

Format: Virtual

Instructors: David Mullen, Rubicon, Randy Myrabo, BASF

Course Outline

PU 204: Physical Testing of Polyurethane

Course Date: September 19, 2024

Format: Virtual

Instructors: Lisa Marcolina, BASF

Course Outline

PU 205: Enabling Circular Economy for Plastics: Tools to Help Close the Loop

Course Date: September 27, 2024

Time: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET

Format: Virtual

Instructors:  Mohamed Bouguettaya, BASF, Bruce Uhlman, BASF

Course Outline