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Interview with Robert Fischer, General Manager, SOFW – Verlag für chemische Industrie H. Ziolkowsky GmbH
Robert Fischer
Manager, SOFW – Verlag für chemische Industrie H. Ziolkowsky GmbH
In your opinion, how have the media and trade publications in the chemical industry changed in recent years? Which trends have the greatest impact on your publishing house and the SOFW Journal?
While the printed word used to be the main information platform, digital and social media have become indispensable. However, we have noticed that there is definitely a renaissance of the printed trade medium. After the Covid-19 pandemic, in person events are very popular, but despite that our online SOFW eVENTS are also enjoying great participation.
A trend in terms of content is definitely sustainability, ecology and legislation.
The SOFW Journal enjoys a high reputation in the chemical industry. What criteria guide your editorial decisions, and how do you choose the topics you present to your readers?
Since we always keep an eye on the latest developments with the associations DGK e.V. and SEPAWA e.V. and their scientific events, as well as other special events, we adapt our editorial content to these trends. Of course, we also observe trends on social media and look around at the corresponding trade fairs.
As the organizer of the SEPAWA CONGRESS and managing director of SEPAWA eVent GmbH, you are at the center of numerous professional events. How do you succeed in reconciling classic congress formats with the requirements of digital transformation?
During Covid-19 pandemic, there was a boom in online events. The SEPAWA CONGRESS also took place virtually in 2020 and 2021. Some – including me – thought that the virtual format of events had a great future. And yes, webinars and online conferences are still successful today, as we can see at our SOFW online eVENTS. But the SEPAWA CONGRESS is an example of the desire for in person meetings and live networking. So digital events have their place, but we humans also want to be able to "sniff" each other. Then the chemistry is right and enables good connections.
In your function, networking is a key success factor. How do you promote the exchange between industry, science and politics, and what role do your publications and events play in this?
The SOFW Journal, or rather the predecessor issue "Seifensieder-Zeitung", has been an organ and source of information for the home and personal care industry for over 150 years now. As an organizer of several industry events, we promote networking and knowledge expansion for professionals. The SOFW Journal and our newsletters have a very large international distribution and reach. With our German and English editions, as well as since 2024 also with our partnership with COS’IN Co. Ltd in Korea and the joint publication of the „Cosmetic Journal Korea“ we are represented in the important markets for the industry. With SOFW360° we offer videos, online publications, news, an archive dating back to 2004 and – if desired – printed editions of the SOFW Journal.
In view of the growing competition from digital platforms and social media – how do you ensure that your traditional publications and events continue to be perceived as indispensable information and exchange platforms?
Quality and being up-to-date always wins. 😊
What personal experiences have you gained on your way as an entrepreneur in the chemical industry, and what advice would you give to young entrepreneurs or trade publicists with similar ambitions?
Well, there are ups and downs in every industry. The chemical industry – and cosmetics in particular – has basically remained very stable in every crisis of the last 40 years. Earlier in life I was a 400 m runner. Usually you want to stop after 300 m. But you still have 100m to go. You have to make it through. My advice: if it hurts, grit your teeth and keep fighting. You often are surprised what is possible.
Contact:
Verlag für chemische Industrie H. Ziolkowsky GmbH
Robert Fischer
