Several premieres will take place at the event

For the first time, visitors can learn everything there is to know about textile finishing at five hands-on practice islands, take a textile discovery tour of the exhibition area, follow the first cotton learning path illustrating the way from cotton to final product, and attend the Forum for Textiles for a heavy dose of expert know-how.

“Textiles are the clear focus of the promotional products industry”, explains PSI director Petra Lassahn. “With the expansion of the Textile Area and the new items we’ve added to the programme, we’re specifically addressing the interests of our visitors. We’re thus providing even more space for manufacturers, distributors and finishers to network and learn about new products and processes.”

About 35 per cent of trade visitors attend PSI because of a concrete interest in textiles. Some 30 per cent are interested in textile finishing, as well. They’ll find the latest trends of the promotional textiles market at the exhibition stands of renowned textiles companies such as Falk&Ross, Gustav Daiber, TeeJays, ID, Lynka and Clipper. In addition, Karlowsky Fashion, Storm Tex, Brand Promotion and Matterhorn have also booked their stands already.

Textiles from A to Z

For the first time ever, five different workshop and hands-on practice islands spread throughout Hall 10 will cover textile finishing. Each island is dedicated to a different finishing technique: screen printing, embroidery, flock and flex, digital direct to garment printing and laser. Beyond simply explaining textile finishing, visitors can give it a try themselves. This highlight is made possible thanks to a partnership with Stefan Roller-Aßfalg’s Academy for Textile Finishing.

Discovery tours

Another new feature on PSI’s textile agenda are discovery tours, which are designed to work like scavenger hunts. Using the hall map, visitors with an interest in textiles can search for exhibitors from the textile segment and learn more about their highlights along the way. Moreover, the first cotton learning path will serve to illustrate the way from cotton to finished product through sight and touch.

In brief lectures, speakers will explore current topics from the industry and share valuable insights on seals and certificates like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Fairwear and Fairtrade. Visitors will also hear more about the added value of sustainable products from a sales and marketing perspective.

Actively experience promotional fashion

The Textile Area is the centrepiece of Hall 10. This is where key players and newcomers will be showcasing their latest collections, techniques and methods for processing and trading promotional textiles. The audience favourite will once again be the Catwalk, where professional models will present the highlights from participating exhibitors’ portfolios. “The catwalk lets visitors see how the products perform when there’s lots of movement. It’s like an acid test for textiles, if you will”, says PSI director Petra Lassahn. “At the same time, though, the runway performances provide an opportunity for a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of the trade show, a chance to take in the industry’s fashion with a refreshing beverage or a cup of coffee before heading back to the exhibition stands.“

PSI 2018

9-11. January 2018

Messe Dusseldorf