The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA) has announced that it is returning to trade show ownership with the acquisition of the Specialty & Custom Chemicals Show, a trade show founded in 2019 and produced by Chemicals America.
Event to Provide Interactive Space
When SOCMA sold InformEx in 2005, it left a void. The industry thrives on face-to-face, intimate interactions to solidify business partnerships and fulfill supply chain needs, and without InformEx that unique space for connecting was severed for SOCMA. Returning to the trade show space underpins their strategic focus to offer commercial growth opportunities for their members and the industry.
Purchasing the Specialty & Custom Chemicals Show has been a long time in the making, according to SOCMA President and CEO Jennifer Abril, “
This is something we have considered since partnering with Tom Leahy to launch the Fort Worth Show, and conditions were right between both parties to effectuate the sale. Tom has built an event that is strategically important to the industry, and it has indeed been a pleasure working with the Chemicals America team these past two years to carry out our mutual vision to see the industry succeed.”
Tom Leahy echoed those sentiments. “
I am excited for SOCMA to take over ownership of the Specialty & Custom Chemicals America show,” Leahy said. “
SOCMA is a trusted association voice for the specialty chemical industry, and SOCMA member companies already represent a significant percentage of the Fort Worth event. We have been partnering together since 2018 to produce the first two Texas shows, and I believe the timing is right to hand over the baton to their organization.”
Cautious Approach in Planning the 2021 Event
SOCMA is taking a cautious and thoughtful approach in planning the 2021 event, with the health and safety of exhibitors and attendees of primary concern. The show will follow its traditional format this year, with limited adjustments based on social distancing and other safety protocols associated with the pandemic.
Registration for the 2021 Specialty & Custom Chemicals, set for 9-11 February at the Omni in Fort Worth, TX, is now open.
Source: SOCMA