This year’s event introduces a refined two-stage structure and new interactive formats designed to tackle the volatile geopolitical and technical landscape of the fine and speciality chemicals industry.
Chemspec Europe has released the full details of its 2026 conference programme, set to take place on 6–7 May at Koelnmesse in Cologne (Germany).
The 2026 programme is divided into two distinct channels to help attendees navigate over 30 expert-led sessions:
- The Strategy Stage: Focuses on the "big picture," including government policy, net-zero pathways, and supply chain resilience. A headline session will investigate the competitive edge of markets outside China and India, focusing on sustainable and digitally enabled manufacturing.
- The Moleküle Hub: A technical powerhouse dedicated to R&D and applications. Highlights include a keynote on global regulatory shifts for 2026–2027, alongside sessions on AI-powered formulation, green chemistry, and continuous-flow production.
In a first for the event, Chemspec 2026 will host peer-led roundtables. These sessions aim to move beyond traditional lectures, allowing professionals to engage in open dialogue on topics like molecular-stage sustainability and patent analytics. High-profile moderators from BCNP Consultants, LexisNexis, and the Global Product Compliance Group will facilitate these limited-capacity discussions.
The speaker line-up features a ‘who’s who’ of the chemical value chain, with confirmed experts from BASF, Lonza, Dassault Systèmes, E.ON, and Corning. To facilitate networking, the Chemspec Europe matchmaking platform is now live, allowing visitors to book one-to-one meetings in advance.
“We are creating more opportunities for meaningful knowledge exchange. The programme delivers both the strategic insight and technical expertise needed to navigate a rapidly evolving market with confidence,” has stated Christiane Beck, Event Director.