This coming June 24^th to 25^th the great and good of the chemical industry in Europe will once again congregate for the international conference, and associated circus, that is Chemspec Europe, this year celebrating its 30^th anniversary.

Not only is this a great time to look ahead at what advances chemistry will bring mankind over the coming twelve months, but it is also a time to do business, wheel deals, make new contacts and catch up will old friends.

But behind the stands and speeches, presentations and seminars, there lies a sadness that is rarely spoken of. A melancholy, that the once mighty European chemical industry is no longer the market leader it once was. It has been in decline for some 40 years, and with the explosion of development in the East and consistent 100 year growth in North America, is now a mid-ranking continent on the world stage.

Like a graceful old lady, the European chemical industry still maintains a sense of class and quality, but her slip is beginning to show. If she is to regain some of her dignity, then a fresh injection of energy (and with it money) is needed. Sure enough, Chemspec leads us to developments in future expanding markets, such as speciality chemicals, pharmaceuticals, personal care, household and farming products, but at present it is hard to say, whether the stagnant markets of Europe will light the way for ambitious captains of industry.

Sure enough plenty of profitable deals will be made over the long two days. For Chemspec remains a great occasion, and not one to be missed for any aspiring chemical salesman or executive worth his salary. But for this author at least, the event will be enjoyed less for its future and more for its nostalgia.