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PSI, PromoTex Expo and viscom launch with hybrid concept

Julia Bernert

Published on 10.02.2021

In May there will be a trade fair with a certain plus. With a hybrid concept and on a new date, PSI, PromoTex Expo and viscom will bring the world of advertising and sales together again after more than a year – live and digital. The motto of the event remains the same, because from 18 to 20 May 2021, plus a Digital Friday on 21 May, the motto is now more than ever: “High time for a reunion!” This applies both live and digitally, as the trade fairs reach visitors worldwide with an extensive digital concept that includes a PSI TV.

“Corona has hit our industry hard,” says Michael Freter, Managing Director PSI. “Even if a swift and complete return to the old normal still seems a long way off, I observe a great optimism with which our industry is defying the crisis. We are also noticing this in the preparations for the PSI trade fair in May. Right now, the industry urgently needs a platform for industry dialogue and a business restart. This is where we can provide the best possible support.”

Making the right use of strong synergies

What synergies can be created between promotional products, sustainable textiles and the latest finishing technologies? The added value of the parallel trade fairs PSI, PromoTex Expo and viscom will become even clearer in 2021. In the new hall concept, the three fairs will move closer together, i.e., there will no longer be a spatial separation between the different focal points of the fairs in the two new exhibition halls 8a and 8b.

Instead, the walk through both halls begins with the best-selling, newest and most individual promotional products in the industry. The PSI Product Presentations product show is located directly in both entrance areas. Hall 8a also features the most sustainable promotional products of the past business year. Here, visitors have the opportunity to get an overview of all the entries of the nominees and winners of the sixth PSI Sustainability Awards. Promotional products that go through the stomach are also available in Hall 8a. At PSI GUSTO, these will be presented in a Corona-compliant manner and in compliance with the required hygiene regulations. Practical knowledge is once again on the agenda in both exhibition halls at the Forum, where experts address and discuss current topics from the market. Anyone offering or looking for career opportunities in the sector will also find the Job Exchange in Hall 8a, where job applications and offers can be exchanged.

Experience finishing live

It is the finishing that turns a product into a promotional item. For the first time, the new ‘Special Finishing’ special area in Hall 8a will show which technical processes are available for which products and requirements. During a look behind the scenes, machine and material manufacturers will show live what is important in finishing, where the advantages of the individual processes lie and how they can be optimally used.

Visitors with a main interest in textiles should make their way to Hall 8b. At the Textile Campus, everything revolves around sustainable textiles, corresponding seals and supply chains. PSI members who are looking for a place to retreat and talk during the trade fair are also in good hands in this hall, because the PSI Members Only Lounge will again offer them space for relaxed meetings and an opportunity to switch off from the hustle and bustle of the trade fair in May, in compliance with all hygiene and safety regulations.

For the first time in May, exhibitors will also be presenting their products and processes in the outdoor areas of the exhibition grounds. In addition, there will be retreats and opportunities for refreshments here.

Live – on site – digital

In May, the national and international community will not only meet live in the hall, but also live on the net. This way, all those who cannot come to Düsseldorf can also participate in the trade fair. At PSI Digital, which also includes the offerings of viscom and PromoTex Expo, exhibitors will present their highlights to visitors online in addition to the on-site offerings, thus reaching the worldwide advertising-savvy community of all three trade fairs. The digital extension of the fair includes live as well as on-demand content and even takes place one day longer with Digital Friday. This means that all on-site visitors also have the opportunity to use the digital services, content and offers.

Access to the digital trade fair is barrier-free and open to all trade fair visitors, i.e. after a one-time login, visitors to the digital event have access to an extensive supporting programme, the exhibitor list and the product presentations – including voting for the public’s favourite via the PSI Product Finder. The highlights of the PSI Sustainability Awards, access to the PSI Supplier and Distributor Finder and the popular PSI Product Finder are also included in the trade fair ticket – even without PSI membership during the trade fair.

The highlights of the digital programme include a dedicated PSI TV, which will be set up at the trade fair in Hall 8b and will digitally broadcast product presentations, exciting interviews with the brains from the industry as well as panel discussions. But also, the trends and innovations of the exhibitors, practical workshops as well as training courses are live and on demand on the programme of the digital accompanying programme of the trade fairs.

With Digital Friday, all digital content will be available for download one day longer on 21 May. “In this way, we offer our exhibitors and visitors an answer to all situations,” says Petra Lassahn, Director of the three fairs, explaining the decision for a hybrid fair concept.

www.psi-messe.com
www.promotex-expo.com
www.viscom-messe.com