Chemspec Europe 2018 in Cologne closes with a record in visitor numbers

The results of Chemspec Europe’s 33rd edition are very gratifying: With a total of 358 exhibitors and 6,724 attendees from all over the world, the specialised industry event was able to further increase its overall attendance figure (exhibitors, visitors, press and conference delegates) compared to the 2017 show in Munich. This year’s Chemspec Europe attracted a total of 4,202 trade visitors which represents a plus in visitors of nearly 9%.

“We are very pleased that we could further increase the Chemspec Europe visitor numbers. The sustainable growth of the exhibition reflects the overall positive industry outlook where a reliable network is absolutely crucial. For international industry experts, Chemspec Europe has become an absolute must-attend event in the trade fair calendar if you want to stay up-to-date with current trends, like bio-based chemicals, flexible manufacturing processes or strategic collaborations, and meet top decision-makers in the fine and speciality chemicals industry”, said Liljana Goszdziewski, Exhibition Director of Chemspec Europe, on behalf of the organisers, Mack Brooks Exhibitions.

At Chemspec Europe 2018, the 358 exhibitors from 27 countries showcased a wide variety of fine and speciality chemicals for a large range of applications on a net floor space of 6,075m2. The major European exhibitor countries were Germany, the UK, France, Belgium and Switzerland. Non-European exhibitors mainly came from China, India and the USA.

Visitors to Chemspec Europe 2018 came from a total of 66 countries; predominantly from Germany (39%), followed by the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, India, Italy, China, Belgium, Spain and the USA.

The preliminary results of the exhibition survey show that the majority of visitors came from the following industries: Pharma, agriculture, plastics and polymers, paints and coatings, research and development, cosmetics, toiletries and personal care, petrochemicals, contract and toll manufacturing, adhesives and sealants as well as water treatment. The majority of visitors were manufacturers, distributors, raw material suppliers or equipment suppliers and work in research and development or for consulting firms. The main responsibilities of the visitors within their companies were senior management, purchasing and procurement, research and development, and marketing.

Visitors were mainly interested in the following products and services: Chemical intermediates, general chemicals, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, APIs, polymers, custom synthesis, green chemicals and catalysts.

Broad conference programme very well received
Visitors to this year’s Chemspec Europe had the opportunity to attend several conferences and workshops covering many different topics. In cooperation with renowned partner organisations, the conferences did not only offer insights into trends and prospects, but also encouraged exchange and networking with international industry colleagues.

The conference programme included the “Agrochemical Outlook Conference”, sponsored by Agrow Magazine, as well as the “Innovative Startups” conference, organised in cooperation with BCNP Consultants, which included short presentations of young startups on the topic “New Paths to Fine and Specialty Chemicals”. In the Pharma Lecture Theatre, visitors could listen to lectures about trends and challenges in the pharma industry, including a presentation given by Dr Magid Abou-Gharbia, Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, and the “Pharma Outsourcing Best Practices Panel”. Furthermore, the conference programme included the two day “RSC Symposium” of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the “Regulatory Services Conference”, organised by REACHReady, as well as the “Crop Protection & Fine Chemicals Forum” held by EFCG (The European Fine Chemicals Group).

High re-booking rate among exhibitors for Chemspec Europe 2019 in Basel
An initial evaluation of the exhibition survey revealed that exhibitors, visitors and conference delegates were highly satisfied with the show. A large majority of exhibitors already secured their stands for Chemspec Europe 2019 whilst on-site. As a result, approximately 75% of the total net floor space is already booked and reserved for the upcoming exhibition.
Chemspec Europe 2019 will take place from 26 to 27 June 2019 in hall 1.0 of Messe Basel, Switzerland. The Basel region is one of Europe’s major hubs for the fine and speciality chemicals industry and borders three of Europe’s strongest countries in this sector – Germany, France and Switzerland.