Jennifer Jessup, Brand Manager Informex,in an e-mail interview with Pharmabiz talks about the evolution of Informex USA ,highlights of the event , Informex 2009 and also about the chemical and pharmaceutical industry in the US in general.

Could you give us a brief idea on the evolution of Informex USA?
Informex was created by US trade association SOCMA in 1983, and has been run by business media specialist UBM since 2006. It provides manufacturers and users of fine and specialty chemicals a place to meet. Exhibitors cover all sectors of the fine chemicals industry, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, paints & coatings, biotech, cosmetics, plastics/polymers, flavors & fragrances, adhesives, electronics, dyes, food & beverages, personal care and electronics.

What is the theme and highlights of this year’s event?
For the first time this year, we have introduced two distinct focus areas at the show – Informex Specialty and Informex Pharma. The aim is to make it quicker and easier for visitors to find and connect with the companies, products and services they are looking for. Each of these focus areas will feature events such as breakfast briefings, R&D showcases and buyers’ panels.

What are the benefits the event offers to the chemical industry as a whole?
The show provides a meeting place for supplier companies and those who use fine and speciality chemicals. With so many major players and niche suppliers in attendance, and visitors from a variety of important users of chemicals, the opportunities for developing new business are enormous.

How different would be Informex USA 2010 compared to the previous events?
The big innovation at this year’s show is the split into two focus areas to make it easier for visitors to find relevant suppliers for their field. In addition, the expansion of the business breakfasts, buyers’ panels and R&D showcases will provide invaluable opportunities for information exchange.

How would the event cater to the growing needs of the industry?
The rise in outsourcing that industry has experienced in the past few years is continuing, and the show provides an important way for visitors to connect with many different potential suppliers. Green chemistry is increasingly important, and visitors will be able to get new ideas in the Green Pavilion within the Informex Specialty focus area.

What is the expected number of registrations from other nations and the likely number of attendees over all?
In previous years, the foreign attendance has been about 30 per cent. This year we are forecasting about 35 per cent foreign attendance. Through our marketing efforts we are trying to reach more attendees in the up and coming chemical markets. Overall, our attendance varies between 4000 to 4500.

What are your comments on the Indian participation in Informex USA?
Participation by Indian companies in Informex has increased dramatically over the past few years. The launch of Informex India last year has significantly helped spread the Informex name to companies that we would not necessarily reach otherwise.

What are the reasons for choosing India as the next destination for holding the event?
India is becoming an increasingly important player in the chemical industry, and we felt that it was befitting that Informex should reflect and be a part of this rise.

Could you please give us a brief account of Informex 2009 ?
Informex 2009 was a success despite the fact the economy was in a turmoil. Our exhibitors and attendees companies were profited because of the face to face meetings they had at Informex. The networking events were an important part of last year’s show, and with the events that we have added this year ,we believe will help our exhibitors in the growth of their businesses.

As a buyer-supplier meet, how would the event benefit the participants and the chemical industry as a whole?
The face to face connections made at Informex is incomparable. The connections made at the show enable companies to build business and profits and discover new potential business in areas they might not have been aware of.

Please give a brief on the Virtual Trade Show that took place on December 15, 2009?
The major aspect that attendees of the virtual trade show enjoyed was the networking center. We will offer receptions on each night of the show and an exhibitor appreciation party after the show to enable and encourage more networking. We are also incorporating more content into our show. The breakfast briefings, along with our panel discussions, will help to incorporate the attendee into the show experience.

Please elaborate on the chemical and pharmaceutical industry in the US?
According to the American Chemistry Council, the US is the number one producer of chemistry products in the world. It makes 19per cent of the world’s chemicals which generates more than $ 689 billion a year. Exports total almost $174 billion. On the pharma side, five of the top 10 pharma companies by sales are head quartered in the US. Figures from IMS Health indicate that in 2008, sales of pharmaceuticals in the US amounted to $312 billion, representing about 40 per cent of total worldwide pharma sales of $773 billion.