Industry news

It’s high time we meet again

May sees the return of PSI, PromoTex Expo and viscom fairs but with an extra bonus. From 18– 21 May the shows will be bringing the world of advertising and sales together. Not just under one roof, but also digitally with new exhibition halls and a new hybrid concept. For the first time, exhibitors will also be presenting their products and processes outdoors where there will also be places to retreat to for refreshments or a snack.

PSI, PromoTex Expo and viscom will be bringing the world of advertising and sales together not just under one roof, but also digitally. Photo: PSI trade show.

Thanks to an extensive digital concept, including amongst other things PSI TV, the fair will be able to reach out to visitors from all over the world.

As Michael Freter, PSI’s Managing Director, says, “Corona has hit our industry hard. Even if a speedy and complete return to the old normal still seems to be a long way off, I have seen a great deal of optimism in the way in which our industry has resisted the crisis. This is also true for the preparations for the PSI fair in May. The industry urgently needs a platform for internal dialogue and a business restart. We can provide them with the best possible support in both these areas.”

Powerful synergies

Thanks to the new planning concept, the three fairs will be moving even closer together in 2021 as the different fairs will now merge seamlessly with one another in the two new halls 8a and 8b. A walk through the two halls begins with a tour of the latest, top-selling and outstanding promotional products in the industry. The PSI Product Presentations show is located in both entrance halls. In Hall 8a, visitors will also be able to find the most sustainable promotional products of the last business year and have the chance to learn about the nominees and winners of the sixth PSI Sustainability Awards. Refreshments and snacks will also be available in Hall 8a in PSI GUSTO, which you will be able to enjoy in a safe setting that strictly observes the latest corona-virus hygiene regulations. Hands-on experience will once again be provided by the agenda in both exhibition halls in the forum where experts will select and discuss subjects that are currently hot topics in the marketplace. Anyone offering or looking for the chance of a position in the industry can visit the job exchange in Hall 8a, where job applications and placements can be traded.

Experience finishing processes live

Merchandise only becomes a promotional product once it has been through the finishing process. A new special area, “Besonders Veredelt [specially finished]”, has been set aside in Hall 8a to demonstrate what technical procedures are available for different products and demands. Manufacturers of machinery and materials will be granting a look behind the scenes and revealing what is important when it comes to finishing, demonstrating the benefits of the individual procedures and how they can be used to the greatest advantage.

Visitors whose chief interest is textiles should head straight to Hall 8b. The Textile Campus is devoted to anything to do with sustainable textiles, their certification and supply chains. PSI members on the lookout for somewhere to relax or for a quiet corner for discussions are also well catered for here as this is where the PSI Members Only Lounge will be, providing somewhere for a relaxed meeting and where you can switch off from the hustle and bustle of the fair while adhering to all the hygiene and safety regulations.

The extended fair experience

At PSI Digital, which also embraces viscom and PromoTex Expo, exhibitors will be presenting their highlights online alongside their on-site offering, reaching out to the worldwide advertising-savvy community of all three fairs. As well as embracing live and on-demand content, the digital version of the fair has been extended by a day thanks to the launch of Digital Friday. With Digital Friday, all digital content will be available for access for a whole day longer on 21st May. That way, all on site-visitors will have the opportunity of using the digital services, content and offers Petra Lassahn, director of the three fairs justifies the decision for the hybrid fair concept, saying that, “This way, we are able to provide our exhibitors and visitors with an answer to any situation that may arise.”

All visitors to the exhibition will be able to access the digital fair automatically. Visitors to the digital event will be able to access an extensive support programme, the list of exhibitors and product presentations – including being able to vote for your favourite exhibitor using the PSI Product Finder. Tickets to the fair also include highlights of the PSI Sustainability Awards, access to the PSI Supplier and Distributor Finder and the PSI Product Finder for the duration of the fair, even without PSI membership.

Digital programme highlights include PSI TV which will be set up in Hall 8b and be broadcasting digital product presentations, interviews with opinion leaders from the industry and panel discussions. For the first time this year, the general association of the German promotional product industry (GWW) will be providing a forum programme in cooperation with PSI, which will cover a wide range of different topical themes. Exhibitor innovations and trends, practical workshops and training sessions will be available live and on-demand as part of the digital support programme accompanying the fair.