PSI Podcast Live. The supporting programme becomes a studio.
Published on 21.10.2026
In January, PSI – Europe’s leading trade show for promotional products, incentives and merchandising – is not only celebrating its debut at its new venue in Cologne. The supporting programme will also take place as a video podcast for the first time.
Three days, three key themes, high-profile guests and all live in front of an audience. Over the course of three days, high-profile experts will discuss specialist topics and industry trends in the promotional products sector on the podcast stage. All episodes will be recorded live in front of an audience and published on the new PSI podcast channel after the trade fair. This ensures that the topics, insights and discussions can still be experienced even after the event has ended.
Day 1: “Health Shift”. Health as a new status symbol
The first day of the trade fair explores the idea that health and fitness have become the new status symbol. It is no longer simply about not being ill, but about holistic wellbeing, mindfulness and self-care. Tanja Biesinger from Wellhub speaks with a promotional products expert about emotional brand loyalty and products with health appeal. Katharina Gilleßen examines health and fitness as the status symbol of our time. Tom Robey from the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) explains why promotional impact and measuring success are crucial for the sale of promotional merchandise.
Day 2: “Save Future”. Security and resilience in complex times
The second day of the trade fair is dedicated to reliable, enduring solutions and products that enhance quality of life and resonate with people. The central theme is the question of why our complex world is fuelling a growing need for security and resilience. Michael Tax from Doppler explores why security, resilience and trust are among the most important resources of the future, and what this means for the promotional products sector. Daniel Hoffmann, Managing Partner at Serviceplan Social, explains the importance of physical merchandise for digital campaigns. Alok Bhat (PPAI – Promotional Products Association International) and Skylar Steudter (BiT – Believe it Today) discuss ‘Give-care’ as the future of promotional products and the shift from mere promotional gifts to products offering genuine added value. Marcus Sperber from elasto and Christoph Biegel from Nestler Matho demonstrate which promotional products people will really need tomorrow and how these can provide guidance and reassurance.
Day 3: “Urban Living & Outdoor”. The city as an adventure playground
The third day of the trade fair is all about exciting experiences, from the trendy city lifestyle to nature-based adventures, with products for both indoors and outdoors that make life easier. The focus here is on the potential of merchandising. Henning Semrau from Instinct3 uses the example of Knabe Drinks to explain when merchandise creates a sense of identity and products become personal statements. Lars Föll, General Manager for Germany at Samsonite, talks about the role of personalisation and the psychology behind it, whilst Eric Jansen from Fravio reveals why running clubs are all the rage when set up correctly, and what community building can mean for brands.
Further podcast topics and guests are currently being finalised and will be published shortly.
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