Signs of an improving economy were evident on the exhibit floor as nearly 7,000 attendees and exhibitors discussed the latest products, trends, newest technologies and left with renewed optimism during this year’s NEW CHEM SHOW in New York, held Nov. 17-19.

The 2009 Show featured a more targeted theme dedicated to Sustainable and Green Process Solutions and added several new core enhancements to address the needs of exhibiting companies and buyers while showcasing hundreds of new products, services, and emerging technologies for the chemical process industries (CPI). Core areas of focus included process control and automation, process efficiency, water/wastewater treatment, emerging technologies, and efficient powder processing.

According to Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Company (IEC), which produces and manages The NEW CHEM SHOW, nearly 7,000 CPI professionals (5,075 registered attendees and 1,670 exhibitor personnel) filled the aisles of the 53rd edition of the CHEM SHOW at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. Attendees were able to discover innovative products and discuss new technologies with close to 400 exhibiting companies.

“Even with the challenges the industry has faced, we were encouraged by the attendance and number of quality new products on the show floor,” said Stevens. “The Show’s new focus was created to meet the needs of exhibitors and attendees alike.”

Based on feedback from many of the exhibitors, the CPI professionals in attendance were buyers looking for specific solutions. “We can only do so much over the phone or Internet,” said Mat Haksworth, regional sales manager for Oseco Inc. “We need to meet with our customers, as we believe in a handshake and face-to-face meeting. The CHEM SHOW is where we are able to do that.  It’s where we connect with our customers and talk with many new prospective customers.”

Gary Green, president of FlexFlo, said, “This is our first time at the CHEM SHOW as an exhibitor and we purposely waited until the show to launch our new product.  This is the marketplace that allows our targeted and potential customers the opportunity to see our product, talk to our team, and develop a relationship.”

Hundreds of CPI professionals also benefited from educational sessions that included:
  • AIChE Day, which featured practical tutorials presented by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
  • Nanotechnology Symposium, a a two-day symposium and workshop developed by Innovative Research and Products Inc. (iRAP)
  • The Chemical Engineering Educational Series, presented as a two-day Educational Program developed by Chemical Engineering magazine
  • A condensed course on valves and actuators presented by  the Valve Manufacturers Association
“As an R&D engineer, I came to the CHEM SHOW because I’m trying to get some ideas on how to solve problems I have for solid liquids separations and membrane technology,” said Dennis Fallon, research associate at Celanese Corp. “Between the sessions, courses and exposure to exhibitors, I found solutions and ideas to solve my problems.”

Many attendees traveled to the show to make equipment purchases. “We came to look at some filtration equipment and pumps to see what’s out there, what’s new,” said Peter M. Garofalo, Process Engineering group leader with Johnson Matthey Pharmaceutical Materials. “We need to improve our throughput in our plant and we need better equipment to do it. I’m here looking for it.”

Plans for the 54th biennial CHEM SHOW in 2011 are currently underway.

For more information, visitwww.chemshow.com.