With indications that the troubled economy and Chemical Process Industries are finally starting to show signs of recovery, the thousands of 2003 Chem Show attendees came away from this year's show with renewed optimism.

According to Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Company (IEC), owners and producers of the Chem Show, more than 15,000 CPI professionals (Nearly 10,000 registered attendees and more than 5,000 exhibitor personnel) filled the aisles of the 50th edition of the event, November 18-20 in the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. Attendees were able to see all the latest products and technologies from more than 730 exhibiting companies, covering more than 110,000 net square feet of exhibit space.

The 2003 event showcased hundreds of new products, services and emerging technologies for the Chemical Process Industries. “Although the industry has been struggling, we are encouraged by the attendance and number of quality new products on the show floor,” said Stevens. “The Show continues to meet the needs of many exhibitors that are trying to establish their products in the North American market and who need to network with a large range of industry professionals in one place.”

Many of the exhibiting companies from around the world said that they were very pleased with the quality of serious buyers who visited their booths and the contacts they were able to make at the Show. “The Show is a good way to cover many markets all in one place,” said president of Rose Mill, Jay Stolfi. “We were very impressed with the range of people visiting our booth.”

Keynote Presentation Challenges CPI Industry Professionals

Gary Anderson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dow Corning Corporation opened the 2003 Chem Show with a challenge to all CPI professionals to take a more active role in promoting the industry. Mr. Anderson provided insights into the challenging issues faced by companies in the CPI, as well as fresh tactics for increasing profitable growth, ensuring differentiation and reducing costs through the introduction of new business models.

Educational Conference Offers Diverse and Informative Programs

In addition to the keynote address, the comprehensive Chem Show educational conference program developed by Chemical Engineering magazine featured more than 30 technical sessions, management forums, operations workshops, tutorials and short courses addressing an array of industry trends, innovations and new developments. With some 70 presentations derived from seven tracks, attendees were able to create customized programs to meet their specific needs.

About theChem Show

Since 1915, the Chem Show has been the CPI professional's single best resource for new products, new ideas and new services. It's a hands-on, interactive event that showcases a wide spectrum of emerging technologies. The unique industry forum creates a dynamic marketing environment unequaled in size and scope by any other Process Industries event.