Like today’s chemical process industries (CPI) themselves, the representation of exhibitors at this year’s Chem Show has taken a more global spin. According to Clay Stevens, President of show organizer IEC, 56 international exhibitors from 16 countries are on hand this week, with the strongest representations coming from Canada, Taiwan and China. Meanwhile, other exhibitors come from locations as far as Argentina and Mexico, India, Spain and even Russia.
More than 7,000 visitors will have the opportunity to view the latest technologies and products from these and other exhibitors, which top 600 in total. Stevens notes that the latest technological developments in the CPI could easily come from Asia or Latin America. “You never know where new technology or innovative products will come from,” he emphasizes. “Many CPI professionals at every Chem Show tell us they saw products or discovered new solutions from international companies they didn’t even know existed.” Among the new products being showcased by exhibiting companies based outside the U.S. are:
- high-containment process systems for the latest generation of potent drugs, both pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical;
- hyperbolic blowers;
- valves, flanges, fittings and other pipeline products;
- ball and super-alloy valves; and centrifugal casting machines and foundries.
Another trend that the show will cater to this year can be found at the Outsourcing Services and Contract Manufacturing Pavilion, which provides unique resources for companies that need to outsource specialized services and production capabilities.
Equally important, the Chem Show Educational Conference provides networking opportunities and technical expertise to assist attendees in their professional growth. Organized by Chemical Engineering, this unique series of sessions will offer both micro and macro perspectives on topics such as energy efficiency, alternative fuels for the CPI, biotechnology, water supplies, and the impact of potential greenhouse-gas regulation. The following tracks will drive the Educational Conference: Financially Sound Green Engineering; Smooth, Safe and Secure Processes; and Efficient Bulk-Solids Handling.
The 2007 Chem Show will also mark the debut of the Nanotechnology and Nano-Bio Symposium and Workshop. The two-day program, held from October 30th–31st, has been organized by Innovative Research and Products, Inc. (iRAP) and will explain the importance of nanotechnology to the industry. Experts who are currently implementing nanotechnology in their businesses will share their experiences, while educating attendees on how to set the right course for their businesses utilizing this increasingly valuable technology.
Wherever you find yourself this week — exhibit floor and conference sessions alike — your presence here confirms that unique rewards are forged in person, and it will take more than a trend or new technology to change that fact. Stevens says both attendees and exhibitors tell him that the valuable discussions and meetings they have at the Chem Show would not be possible online or over the phone.