Michael Freter, PSI’s Managing Director:

“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 show 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.”

Making the most of powerful synergies

• What synergies can be harnessed when it comes to promotional products, sustainable textiles and the latest finishing technologies?

• The added value provided by PSI, PromoTex Expo and viscom being held in the same place at the same time is even greater in 2021.

• Thanks to our new planning concept, the three shows will be moving even closer together in 2021 as the different shows 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 show while adhering to all the hygiene and safety regulations.

• 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.

The extended show experience

The national and international communities alike will not only be coming together live in the halls in May, but also live on the internet. This means that even if people cannot come to Düsseldorf they can still participate in the show. 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 shows. As well as embracing live and on-demand content, the digital version of the show has been extended by a day thanks to the launch of Digital Friday. That way, all on site-visitors will have the opportunity of using the digital services, content and offers.

All visitors to the exhibition will be able to access the digital show automatically. After an initial log-on, 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 the public’s favourite exhibitor using the PSI Product Finder. Tickets to the show also include highlights of the PSI Sustainability Awards, access to the PSI Supplier and Distributor Finder and the ever popular PSI Product Finder for the duration of the show, even without PSI membership.

Digital programme highlights include:

• Own PSI TV which will be set up in Hall 8b and be broadcasting digital product presentations, fascinating interviews with opinion leaders from the industry and panel discussions.

• 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 show.

• With Digital Friday, all digital content will be available for access for a whole day longer on 21st May.

Petra Lassahn, director of the three shows justifies the decision for the hybrid show concept, saying that, “This way, we are able to provide our exhibitors and visitors with an answer to any situation that may arise.”