Written on: July 1, 2022 by Alain D'haese
After two years of delays, the European
Aerosol Federation (FEA) will hold its Global Aerosol Events 2022 at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal on Sept. 21–22, 2022.
SPRAY caught up with FEA Secretary General Alain D’haese to find out what the mood is as the long-awaited event is set to become reality in a few short months.
“There is a lot of optimism and excitement to meet again as an aerosol industry,” said D’haese.
“Exhibitors and their customers want to meet each other in person. Experts are eager to interact with their peers. Following the postponement of the 2020 event, we kept contact with the industry through online conferences, but virtual events cannot replace in-person events where participants can naturally interact.”
D’haese added that the European Union (EU) Green Deal has triggered many initiatives with challenges and opportunities. “There is no time for complacency,” he noted.
Regarding the scientific content of the program, D’haese said the FEA intends to continue creating added value through technical presentations.
“SPRAY readers will probably not be surprised to learn that innovation and sustainability, as well as a global perspective, will be at the heart of the program.”
D’haese explained that the FEA Global Aerosol Events provide essential insight into the aerosol industry’s key challenges, as well as outstanding networking opportunities for aerosol brand owners, fillers, suppliers and researchers to discuss the latest trends and wider business environment. Therefore, the FEA Global Aerosol Awards 2022 on Sept. 21 will recognize companies and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the aerosol industry. The seven categories are Innovative Product, Product Design, Packaging Element Design, Creative Marketing Strategy, Sustainable Development Achievement, Prototype and Equipment /Machinery. The Jury is independent from the aerosol industry, but obviously indirectly linked to it.
When questioned about global issues, D’haese explained, “Without any doubt, worldwide challenges (the COVID-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine, inflation) have also affected the organization of the FEAerosol Events. However, the Portuguese authorities have been taking all necessary public health measures to protect its population, as well as foreign visitors.
“FEA will closely monitor the instructions of the Portuguese authorities and communicate any changes with FEA exhibitors, attendees and visitors; but for now, the organization is going smoothly and as initially planned,” he assured.
“COVID-19 is still present but current variants have lost virulence. [As we go to press], hospitalizations and deaths are at their lowest levels. European countries are progressively withdrawing restrictions and travel barriers such as masks in public areas, testing requirements, quarantines…FEA will follow the instructions of the Portuguese authorities that are valid at the time of the event, if any,” D’haese said.
“As well, Kiev and Lisbon are separated by 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles). The war in Ukraine has no direct impact on FEAerosol2022 and there is no security issue in Portugal. However, energy and fuel costs have increased significantly, triggering an inflation rate that we have not known for a long time,” he added.
“Finally, I would like to highlight that participants should not delay planning their trip, especially booking flights and hotels. We’ve secured hotel accommodations and assigned an agency to find attractive airfare solutions from anywhere in the world; as the demand for both flights and hotel accommodation is significantly increasing, prices are expected to increase, too. We therefore would suggest not waiting too long,” D’haese concluded. SPRAY
