Skin care ingredients technology conference

The first will be held at the Sheraton Hotel, New York City, March 17-19, 2008, with dates for the second event due to be finalized for some time in the Fall. The conferences will follow a three-track program covering every aspect of skin care ingredients and related technologies. "With the pressure to develop innovative new products continuing to escalate dramatically, there is an equally-corresponding need to satisfy the voracious appetite for information on new ingredients and technology of research and development management and formulators,"​ said Dr. Robert Grayson, the conference organizer and cosmetic industry specialist. The conference has been organized as a means to fill this information gap and to encourage both industry and the science world to showcase its latest developments within this fast-growing category. The three-track program will cover Anti-Aging, Naturals and Special Dermal-Needs, reflecting the increasing segmentation as the market develops distinct niches that reflect the growing demand. In particular the conference organizers are tipping Special Dermal-Needs as being the next skin care category to see significant growth, reflecting the growing desire for individuals with specific skin conditions such as acne or dermatitis to seek over-the-counter solutions, as opposed to those prescribed by dermatologists. Grayson says he is looking for presentations within each of these categories, and adds that it is highly possible any one business or institution might be represented in any number of the three program tracks. "One of the unique things we are experiencing is that some of the larger companies want to be in more than one track,"​ Grayson said. "For example Sederma is in Anti-Aging and Natural Products." ​From large companies there are likely to be both marketers and research and development representatives, Grayson told CosmeticsDesign.com, adding that smaller companies are likely to be represented by entrepreneurs, probably CEO or COOs. "The paramount question in the minds will be 'can I find something new that can help me compete with the majors?'"​ Grayson said. In total the organizers are looking for 49 presenters, including six keynote speakers, together with 12 moderators. Likewise special presenters will also be drawn out of the delegation list to emphasize specific themes within the program. The program will include eight presentations of 30 minutes each, with two session moderators per day, for which there is expected to be a total of 300 - 600 conferees. To participate in the conferences and make a presentation, events organizer Grayson Associates is asking candidates to indicate whether they are interested in the Spring or Fall conference program, and to send the title of the proposed talk, together with a 200-word abstract including three bullet points outlining key features.