Trust, Strategy, and Opportunity: Key Takeaways from the 2026 SOCMA Show

March 12, 2026

From the moment doors opened, every corner of the SOCMA Show, held March 4-6, 2026, in Nashville, TN, was buzzing with attendees reconnecting, new partnerships forming, and business conversations unfolding across the trade show floor. 

With almost 1,250 attendees and 173 exhibitors filling the trade show floor, the SOCMA Show once again proved why it remains the premier gathering for the specialty chemical industry. Attendees exchanged ideas, explored opportunities, and strengthened the relationships that power this sector. 

A common theme surfaced again and again in sessions and conversations alike: trust. In an environment shaped by policy uncertainty, supply chain shifts, and evolving markets, strong partnerships and reliable execution remain the foundation of success. 

The Specialty Chemical Sector: Investing, Adapting, and Positioned for Growth 

In her first SOCMA Show address as President & CEO, Jenn Klein reflected on the strength and resilience of the specialty chemical manufacturing sector. 

Despite challenges related to trade policy, labor pressures, and regulatory complexity, the latest SOCMA Pulse Poll shows companies investing strategically and preparing for long-term growth. 

Survey data highlighted several key trends: 

  • 73% of manufacturers are prioritizing reliable partners and strong assets
  • 61% are investing in expansions backed by committed customer demand
  • 83% report confidence in targeted capital investment and operational improvements 

Importantly, the industry’s biggest constraint today is not plant capacity — 75% of respondents report stable capacity — but forecasting uncertainty and identifying new business opportunities. 

The data reinforced a key theme throughout the show: cost and reliability drive new business, with cost cited by 78% of respondents and dependable execution by 75%. 

For SOCMA members, the message was clear. The specialty chemical sector remains resilient, disciplined, and focused on execution. Companies that prioritize operational strength, reliable partnerships, and smart investment decisions will be best positioned to capture new opportunities as markets evolve. 

Economic Shifts, AI, and the Next Era of Manufacturing 

Economist and futurist Andrew Busch delivered a forward-looking keynote on the economic forces reshaping global manufacturing. 

Busch argued that the next five years may bring more economic change than the past century, driven by geopolitical shifts, technological disruption, and supply chain restructuring. 

While recent years have been marked by volatility — from inflation and supply chain shocks to geopolitical conflict — Busch emphasized that these forces are also creating opportunities for U.S. manufacturing. 

Several trends are accelerating demand for specialty chemicals, including: 

 

  • Foreign direct investment flowing into U.S. manufacturing
  • Expanding domestic supply chain resilience
  • Growth in data centers, defense, and advanced technologies
  • New applications in electronics, batteries, and pharmaceuticals 

Busch also highlighted the potential impact of agentic AI, which could improve manufacturing productivity through faster troubleshooting, improved yields, and reduced operational deviations. 

His message: companies that embrace innovation and adapt quickly will be positioned to lead the next phase of industrial growth. 

When Capacity Is Everywhere, Trust Wins the Contract 

One of the most talked-about panels explored how trust has become a defining advantage in contract manufacturing. 

Moderated by Bryan Kitchen of Ascent Industries Co., panelists Cameron Whaley of Southern Chemical & Textiles, Amanda McCraw of BASF, and Jessica Whitsitt of Evonik, shared their insight on what differentiates partners when capacity appears abundant, but reliability is not. 

Kitchen noted that today’s market offers more choice, but choice can mask fragility. When challenges arise, transparency and responsiveness matter far more than promises made during negotiations. 

McCraw described the first 90 days of a partnership as the real “test drive,” when buyers evaluate whether technical expertise and operational performance match expectations. Past operating history and asset reliability, she emphasized, often matter more than what appears on paper. 

Whaley highlighted the role of leadership in building trust, emphasizing open communication and company culture as key indicators of long-term partnership success. Whitsitt added that preparation and communication separate “available capacity” from dependable capacity, especially when unexpected disruptions occur. 

The takeaway was clear: trust isn’t built in spreadsheets. It is built in moments when markets tighten and partners demonstrate reliability and shared commitment. 

Leadership, Culture, and the Next Generation of Industry Talent 

The Women’s Networking Breakfast, featuring SOCMA’s own Sarah Williams, Erica Zimolzak of ProChem, Rainne Somers of Genesis Custom Chemical Blending, Sims Turner of CJB Industries and Norma Brinson of Cremer North America, sparked meaningful conversations about leadership, mentorship, and how intentionally designed workplace cultures create opportunities for women across the industry.  

The enthusiasm was unmistakable — the room was overflowing, with attendees lining the walls and gathering in the back, a clear sign of how much energy and interest there is around advancing leadership across the specialty chemical sector. 

Following the breakfast, SOCMA President & CEO Jenn Klein joined Board Chair Mara Gliozzi of McGean for a leadership Q&A with attendees. 

The fireside chat focused on SOCMA’s priorities moving forward, including strengthening advocacy, deepening member engagement, and continuing to deliver value through regulatory expertise, industry intelligence, and business connections. 

Global Policy Pressures and the Supply Chains They Shape  

Manufacturers across the specialty chemical industry continue to navigate a patchwork of tariffs — including Sections 232, 301, and 122 — along with legal developments affecting the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). With billions of dollars in potential tariff refunds under discussion, the stakes remain high.  

In response, SOCMA facilitated a critical discussion around “Managing Global Uncertainty: Policy Trends that Shape Supply Chains.” This session specifically explored the policy and regulatory dynamics shaping the specialty chemical industry. 

Samir Varma of Thompson Hine LLP and Robert Helminiak of the Color Pigments Manufacturers Association walked attendees through recent tariff developments and evolving trade policy. 

As Varma noted during the discussion, the regulatory landscape may shift, but tariffs are likely here to stay, making policy awareness and advocacy increasingly important for manufacturers managing global supply chains. 

Stronger Together: Building the Industry’s Future 

The 2026 SOCMA Show demonstrated the strength, resilience, and collaborative spirit of the specialty chemical industry. 

From the tradeshow floor to the main stage, one message carried throughout the week: this industry succeeds through trusted partnerships, operational excellence, and strong relationships. 

Thank you to all of the attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors who made this year’s SOCMA Show such an engaging and productive event. 

We look forward to continuing the conversations — and connections — throughout the year. 

Categorized in: , ,