With business booming and companies reaching capacity limits, customers and suppliers throughout the speciality chemical value chain are looking to make business-critical connections in 2022. SOCMA offers that opportunity and more at the Specialty & Custom Chemicals Show, February 28-March 2, at the Omni in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.

Increased Demand Makes Show Critical to Industry

According to SOCMA President & CEO Jennifer Abril, “Demand has skyrocketed for toll and contract partnerships in North America since the pandemic started. In fact, one major customer told us their outsourced projects have increased 300 percent from two years ago. As buyers continue to seek certainty through domestic suppliers, SOCMA members say they are confidently moving forward with capital expansions,” she said.

“As a result of this growth, companies across the board tell us project calendars are tight,” Abril said.“Customers are thinking, ‘There are contract and toll manufacturers out there who may have increased their capabilities, so I need a one-stop shop to learn what’s new in the market and to hear what these potential partners need from me.’Conversely, contract manufacturers are thinking, ‘Not only do I need to network with potential customers, but I also need to connect with other companies to find out how they are handling various challenges throughout this surge.’”

SOCMA’s new trade show serves as a conduit to provide these solutions and intelligence so companies can leverage growth opportunities. The SOCMA Show features 165+ exhibitors, 39 Exhibitor Showcases and a series of educational sessions focusing on the most pressing issues manufacturers face both inside and outside their fence lines.

Nothing Replaces Doing Business Face-to-Face

The Specialty & Custom Chemicals Show is the first opportunity of the year for the specialty chemical industry to meeting-person, showcase company capabilities and secure new projects with exhibiting toll and contract manufacturers.

“There is a strong desire to return to in-person meetings because of the nuanced approaches and interactions with potential partners you just don’t experience in a virtual setting,” Abril said.“One SOCMA Board member told us they have initiated projects that came up in spontaneous conversations while meeting with people at an event. Another said there is a higher chance of closing a deal in person, which makes the show vital to our industry.”

Supply Chain, Tax Incentives Headline Conference Sessions

The show kicks off with conference sessions on Monday, February 28, covering transportation, logistics, raw materials availability and other key issues, including:

• Navigating persisting supply chain challenges,
• Understanding the global geopolitical landscape and its impact on chemicals,
• Obtaining tax incentives available to your company, and more.

On Tuesday, March 1, the event focus shifts to highlight unique company capabilities, equipment and technologies.

Conference sessions return on Wednesday, March 2, featuring a buyer/toller panel with representatives from Evonik, BASF and Dow,and a market trends panel with experts from Synalloy, Grace Matthews and Edgewater Capital Partners taking a look at what’s driving company valuations. Find the full Schedule of Events here.

Why the SOCMA Show is Different

“The SOCMA trade show answers the call for an in-person event early in the calendar year, placing attendees at the centre of industry solutions, services and exhibitors ready to make new deals,” Abril said. “Not only are these onsite solutions invaluable, but SOCMA’s value does not stop when the show ends! Our staff is comprised of subject-matter experts who continue to provide tools and resources to our members and the industry year-round, and we look forward to showcasing that in Fort Worth and beyond.”

There’s still time to register for the 2022 show. You can find more information and register for the SOCMA Trade Show here.