The Chemical Industry Global Outlook 2008 is the leading forum for uncovering key trends and drivers of the chemical industry for the upcoming year. The conference will explore the issues impacting specific sectors of the chemicals market, as well as provide a clear perspective on the trends affecting the entire chemical industry — namely the global financial turmoil that could impact the pace of consolidation in the industry, the continued rising cost of energy and feedstocks, the shift of chemical investments to the Mideast and Asia, and the rapid pace of development in biotechnology and nanotechnology. There is also the need for increased attention on R&D as a means of creating the new products and services that will drive the industry forward.

Amid the frantic pace of development, market players with their eyes on the factory floor of the world would need to address these key questions:

Topics to be discussed:

• The M&A outlook, and the opportunities still available
  
• The impact of the global credit crunch on M&A activity in the chemical industry: How long will it sideline private equity buyers? Will it drive industry players to become more aggressive in the M&A market?
  
• Growth in the North American chemical industry: Has it hit a plateau, or is this a short-term concern?
  
• The competitiveness of North America today as crude oil prices continue on its unrelenting rise, and the impact of the rising cost of ethane relative to natural gas on the bottom line
• The potential shifts in the regulatory environment in the coming election year, and how they will impact the chemical industry
• Outlook for energy and feedstocks
• Key developments in the renewable fuels sector, and how significant they are in the current energy landscape

The Chemical Industry Global Outlook 2008 is uniquely designed to benefit presidents, vice presidents and directors of: