As one of the first post-lockdown ‘national trade show’ events scheduled at NEC Birmingham, CHEMUK 2021, the UK’s Chemical Industries Supply Chain Expo, opened its doors on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 September, prompting delight and enthusiasm from across the sector.
Ian Stone, MD of event organisers UK Industry Events commented: “In the wake of unprecedented challenges and disruptions thrown up to all industries, with the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the CHEMUK team were so delighted to see attendee groups from across all segments of the Chemical Industries, as well as representation from across all regions.”
Showcasing some 350+ exhibiting companies representing literally hundreds of product, technology and service brands supporting the broad chemicals, chemical formulated products and chemical-using industries, the busy 10,000 sqm expo floor welcomed some 2,400+ visitors (and a further 1,000+ from across exhibiting teams) over the two days, creating a combined 3,500+ attendance.
“With strong pre-registration levels and a great ‘buzz’ across industry & social channels, the industry’s eagerness to engage again in a dynamic physical trade show environment was palpable and borne out as soon as the doors opened on Day one,” commented Stone.
CHEMUK 2021 Expo followed on from its hugely successful inaugural event, held in Harrogate in 2019. It represents the UK’s only dedicated national supply chain expo for the chemicals industries, attracting highly specialised attendee groups from across the UK’s chemicals, chemical products & chemical-using industries, converging to see the very latest plant, equipment, technologies, supply chain partners & specialist services driving operational performance, plant & process efficiency, sustainability goals, future-proofing, safety, compliance, supply chain fulfilment and more.
A packed (free to attend) two-day speaker programme presented 2021 attendees with some 150+ expert speakers, across the four integrated show floor stages, including feature sessions and panels discussing the big trends, challenges, opportunities and innovations affecting the UK’s chemical industries.
Speakers and guest panellists were drawn from across the sector, contributing to some 40+ hours of overall vital market intelligence, tech insight, best practice, case studies, solutions updates and more, for attendee groups. Big topics taking centre stage this year included Sustainability/NetZero, Post-Brexit, Green Chemistry/ Biobased, Process Intensification, Digitisation & Automation, Innovation, UK REACH, Sector Skills and more.
Summing up, Stone commented: “Nothing beats the live trade show experience for networking and connections, vital intelligence, ideas, inspiration, and just soaking up your sector’s current position. You can also see what is happening immediately over the horizon, as well as longer term, in a dynamic, spontaneous, and visually engaging way; empowering and informing those crucial next steps. We can’t wait to welcome the industry back in 2022!”
For more information visit www.chemicalukexpo.com
