By Clay Stevens, president, International Exposition Company
According to recent economic reports and various industry experts, there will be modest to strong growth across most process industry segments for many months to come.
• The American Chemistry Council calculates that chemicals production could grow by nearly 5.4% in 2014 on top of a 3% gain in 2013.
• The global pharmaceutical industry is projected to emerge from its modest growth phase and rise to 5% to 7% by 2016.
• According to Accenture, food production is expected to grow at 3% worldwide; gas-based chemical production continues to be a bright spot for the future; sustainable energy opportunities are driving innovation and development in the chemical industry; and economic performance is expected to show a sharp uptick from the middle to the end of 2013.
• The Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation predicts equipment expenditures will be up in significant numbers, advancing 5.2% in 2013 and 8.6% in 2014.
What all this means for the process engineers, production/plant personnel and other chemical process industry (CPI) decision-makers attending the 2013 CHEM SHOW is that the timing couldn’t be better.
These CPI professionals will gain a decisive competitive advantage by previewing new equipment and discovering solutions that will be unveiled for the first time by some of the more than 300 exhibiting companies from around the world. Several of these exhibitors will also be showcasing their latest technologies in the Process Control & Automation Center and the New Product Technology Theater.
But in addition to all of the innovation taking place on the Show floor, AIChE (the American Institute of Chemical Engineers) will offer a solutions-focused conference program dedicated to improvements and technologies in process production.
Sessions at the conference will include energy savings and efficiency, environmental issues, new and improved operating equipment and environmental health and safety. Preceding the one-and-a-half-day conference will be a day of tutorials that range from engineering fundamentals to plant and equipment basics.
Since 1915, the CHEM SHOW has been the CPI professional’s single best resource for new products, new ideas and new services, and the 2013 Show will be no exception. So regardless of whether you mix, blend, heat, cool or dry processed materials, there will be an exciting lineup of exhibitors, show features, educational programs and business opportunities.
For information on exhibiting or attending the 2013 CHEM SHOW, visit www.chemshow.com.
