SOFW eVENTS in Transition: Digital Success Formats and New Impulses Through “Pet Care”
Interview with Siegfried Fischer,
Managing Director of SOFW – Verlag für chemische Industrie H. Ziolkowsky GmbH
The SOFW eVENTS have evolved from their origins during the COVID period into a highly successful online format. Today, they take place 3–4 times per year and provide an international platform for exchange, trends and innovation. A special highlight this year is the new focus on “Pet Care”, presented for the first time as a dedicated event topic.
The SOFW eVENTS were created during the COVID period, when live events were hardly possible. How did the idea come about and what was the main goal at the beginning?
The SOFW eVENTS were born during a very special time: during COVID, live trade shows and in-person meetings were barely possible. Our goal was to still provide the industry with a platform to connect, discuss trends and highlight innovations. It quickly became more than just a temporary solution – it turned into a successful format that we continue to develop today.
After COVID, the SOFW eVENTS proved to be very successful and are now held online 3–4 times per year. What makes this format so attractive for the industry in your view?
The strength of the SOFW eVENTS lies in the combination of expertise, an international perspective and digital accessibility. Participants can join from anywhere and receive compact, highly relevant insights into current topics. At the same time, we create space for networking and exchange – exactly what the industry needs to respond quickly and flexibly to new developments.
This year, SOFW is hosting a “Pet Care” event for the first time. Why is now the right time to include this topic in the event series?
Pet Care is a rapidly growing market and is becoming increasingly important in the innovation landscape. Consumers are paying more attention to high-quality care products for their pets – from hygiene and coat care to dermatological solutions. That’s why it was a logical step for us to introduce Pet Care as a dedicated event topic for the first time and give this segment its own platform.
What can participants expect from the Pet Care event – and which trends or innovations will be in focus?
Participants can look forward to inspiring presentations, current market insights and innovative solutions. Key focus areas include new ingredients, sustainable formulations, skin-friendly concepts and modern product ideas for pet care. The goal is to provide guidance while also delivering fresh inspiration for product development and positioning in the pet care market.
How do you see the future of the SOFW eVENTS – and what role should they continue to play for the international community?
We want to further establish the SOFW eVENTS as a consistent platform where the international industry meets regularly to learn, connect and exchange ideas. Hosting 3–4 events per year shows the strong demand for fast, high-quality formats. Our goal is to identify relevant topics early on – like Pet Care this year – and support innovation and collaboration in a sustainable way.
