High expectations have steered up for the 57th Sepawa-Congress and European Detergents (EDC) Conference, a congress that is to be "larger, more modern and more central." Hence there is keen interest among all participants now that the exhibition area - with 99% being already booked - has been enlarged by and additional 20 poster stands compared to 2009. Due to this high demand, the exhibition probably needs to be enlarged once more.

A move is hardly ever a mere question of addressing the logistics connected with the relocation from one place to another - in this case within Germany, from Würzburg to Fulda. Just with any move, the relocation of the congress has taken a lot of planning long before the actual moving date. In the process of "packing," there have been thoughts about what can be "taken along" and what can be "left behind." To drop ballast and make room for something new - a mind focused on the future promotes creativity, and readiness for departure enhances its realization. The Sepawa Board of Directors is doing just that for the upcoming Sepawa Congress from Oct. 13-14 in Fulda.

While the move from Bad Dürkheim to Würzburg was characterized by the growing internationality of the event, the move to Fulda offers the opportunity to make the conference the most well-rounded event in the industry.

A Stronger Profile For Greater Topicality

Ever since the EDC and the Sepawa Congress have been featured together, many visitors enjoy the freedom of choice between the various options. Numerous visitors appreciate the possibility to choose between excellent lectures in the fields of basic research and presentations focusing more on application and economic-issues. It is obvious that both these aspects - science and application - are of utmost importance, and this double-track profile of the Sepawa will be emphasized even more so in Fulda.

There will be one newly added theme block called "Forum for Innovations,"which offers a greater scope for discussions on the corporate point of view. Short registration deadlines for contributions as well as more creative freedom provide this forum with a high degree of topicality so that lively discussions can be expected; lectures and presentations for the "Forum for Innovations" can thus still be submitted up to the Aug. 27.

The second theme block developed by the Sepawa will hence be more condensed. For the lecture series "Formulation Technology" the Sepawa was able to invite renowned experts; Prof. B. Lindman (Universität Lund) will open the series with the lecture "Interaction between polymers and surfactants gives synergistic effects in formulations." In the same way, the lectures on scientific foundation for reciprocal effects of polymers and surfactants as part of the EDC Conference will also feature internationally renowned speakers.

Synergies Instead of Reservation

With the cooperation of the DGK (Association German Society for Scientific and Applied Cosmetics) another facet is added to the event in Fulda. The DGK, a society with 750 members of exclusively scientific orientation will extensively focus on the subject "effectiveness in cosmetics." Contributions to the legal aspects as well as to in-vitro and in-vivo test methods are also included in the program. These will also focus on special applications such as deodorants and hair cosmetics. According to Dr. Hartmut Schmidt-Lewerkühne, president of the DGK, the collaboration with the Sepawa creates new opportunities for both parties. Nevertheless, the association will keep its independence, so that DGK events during odd-numbered years remain unchanged; the next one being in 2011 with the theme "Safety and tolerance."

Young People and Their Future in The Industry

Although the new location offers extended choices, this will not cause a gridlock as indicated by the theme of the keynote lecture. Futurologist Prof. Horst W. Opaschowski addresses the changing living conditions of the generation "up to and around 30" in his speech entitled "Rethink Prosperity." With a composed disposition in times of crisis, this generation will redefine prosperity in their own, more socially oriented system of values.

And although according to the forecasts of Opaschowski, university degrees will no longer guarantee a secure future, the Sepawa board of directors still wants to show recognition and transmit encouragement to graduates with outstanding achievements. Both events, the are therefore opened with the awards of young people standing at the start of their careers. In addition to this, students are granted free admission to the event as in previous years.

"To introduce young scientists to the industry, while at the same time offering a communication platform to those with much experience, is one of our goals and we are realizing with this event," said Prof. Ulrich Buller, chairman of the Sepawa and of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. "It also includes the successful bridge building work between the large expert associations EDC, DGK and Sepawa, as well as the combination of high scientific quality with the latest product presentations."