The 26th annual event was scheduled for Sept. 11-13 in Orlando.

"As Hurricane Irma continues to make its way toward the United States, we recognize the serious threat that the storm poses to the State of Florida, its residents, and surrounding areas in the storm's projected forward path," division Chairman Bret Joslyn said in a Sept. 6 news release.

"The safety of our attendees is of paramount concern to the SPE Thermoforming Division. Hurricane Irma poses this threat, and as a result, we announce the cancelation of the 2017 SPE Thermoforming Conference in Orlando, scheduled for next week."

He added that the division is reviewing options to address questions from attendees, sponsors and exhibitors, including refunds and rescheduling. The division expects to address those questions by the end of business on Friday, Sept. 8.

For anyone who made a hotel reservation within the SPE's room block at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld Hotel, the hotel will automatically cancel your reservation, Joslyn said.

"Our friends who are in Hurricane Irma's path, and especially those who are in Florida, will remain in our thoughts over the next several days," he said.

Key Word: SPE, Hurricane, thermoforming conference

By Tracy