SCHAUMBURG, ILL. — The Society of Plastics Engineers Thermoforming Conference drew 814 attendees, according to Jim Arnet, conference chairman.

Arnet said attendees came from 18 countries — and includes 300 first-time attendees. Arnet said division leaders sent out thousands of postcards to original equipment manufacturers in a six-state area, luring end-users.

Held Sept. 15-18 at the Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center, the conference included technical presentations, a parts competition and a trade show with 86 exhibitors.

Arnet is director of sales and marketing for Hagans Plastics Co. Inc., a thermoformer and vacuum former in Grand Prairie, Texas.