PSI and Global Executive Network cooperate

Not the usual garage, rather a wine garage: Oechsle instead of octane, cutters instead of Mercedes and jugs instead of Porsche. It is the perfect meeting place to ring in the PSI trade show in a relaxed atmosphere amid 300 wines and 40 champagne brands on the evening before. The event was organised by PSI and Michael Freter’s GXN network.

Many of the top names in the national and international promotional products industry met in an exclusive setting on the eve of the PSI trade show. Petra Lassahn was there for PSI and Michael Freter for GXN with his network for decision-makers and managers from various countries.

An ideal addition

In their welcoming speeches, both had already hinted that the evening still had a surprise in store – and after the joint invitation, people could already guess where the journey would take them, namely into a “joint” future. Petra Lassahn commented: “I am particularly pleased about the cooperation with you, Michael, and the GXN. We not only share similar values, but also complement each other perfectly in our approaches and perspectives and create synergies.” Michael Freter added: “In view of the ongoing internationalisation of the promotional products industry, it is crucial to think outside the box and exchange ideas on a global level.” These words were immediately put into practice at the social gathering in the “wine garage”. After lots of hugs and many a kiss (they hadn’t seen each other for a long time), several different languages dominated the cosy scene. Problems and possible solutions are often easier to discuss with a glass of wine in hand than at meetings in everyday business life. New acquaintances were made, old ones revitalised and strengthened. In other words, it was a place for lively networking.

Together for an international industry

In her brief speech, Petra Lassahn also emphasised that the European perspective had been significantly strengthened at the PSI Trade Show. Many international associations had committed themselves, including the relatively young European Association Corporation (EAC), which was represented at the trade show for the first time with a joint stand. Lassahn also highlighted the new subtitle of the trade show: “Leading European Trade Show for Promotional Products, Incentives and Merchandising”. This is important because this expanded positioning shows that the trade show still has a lot of potential and can be proud of its importance, which extends far beyond the classic promotional products business. In future, PSI and GXN will also be increasingly involved in joint projects. It was a good start at an inspiring location: Nicole Schloemer and Holger Blomeier’s “Weingarage” in Düsseldorf.

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About the PSI

The Promotional Product Service Institute (PSI) is Europe’s leading network of the promotional products industry. For over 60 years, the PSI has been connecting manufacturers, distributors and service providers, while offering its members access to exclusive market information, international contacts and innovative services.

About the Global Executive Network (GXN)

The Global Executive Network is an international network that brings together executives from different industries. The aim of the GXN is to promote the global exchange of knowledge and networking between experts and to provide impetuses for future developments in the promotional products industry.  GXN’s membership consists of executives from leading international companies. The members come from Asia, Europe and the USA.

Photos: On the eve of the PSI, PSI Director Petra Lassahn and Michael Freter announced the cooperation between PSI and Global Executive Network. This was celebrated in an international circle at the “Weingarage” in Düsseldorf.