The 11th edition of PSI will take place on 15, 16 and 17 September 2009 at Paris Expo, Pavilion 5.2/5.3 – Porte de Versailles.
The PSI Paris is one of the european meeting point for the gift and premium market with over 250 exhibitors, 350 brands will be represented and more than 4 700 professional visitors will participate.
Here are our questions to Clémence Long, PSI Paris trade show Director:
Clémence, how is the PSI Paris positionned ?
Over the years, PSI Paris has become one of the leading event in the European promotional products and textiles profession.
The trade show is clearly on the rise. In two years, the number of visitors has increased by 35%; this is especially thanks to our international visitors. Our partnership with the EPPA (European Promotional Product Association), that links the representative associations from the European sector is vital for this success.
We are also enjoying an excellent return rate, because 80% of the trade show surface has already been reserved, and the biggest names in the sector such as PF Concept, Mid Ocean’s Brand, Antalis and Addex will all participate as they did last year.
All these excellent indicators position PSI Paris as the n°2 international event in the PSI Club (Promotional Service Institute), behind January’s Düsseldorf trade show, with its 18 200 visitors; it being the benchmark trade show in Europe.
What are the objectives for this 11th edition??
The show’s ethos is unchanged: whether in terms of exhibiting companies (manufacturers, importers, printers, markers, silkscreen printers and more), or visitors – retailers, distributers, communication agencies playing the role of retailers – they must all belong to the PSI Club, which is made up of 2 200 manufacturers and 4 700 distributors of promotional products in Europe.
The difference: the PSI Paris trade show is open to exhibitors and visitors who are non-members, subject to proof of their activity. This is definitely a limitation, but it makes for an extremely professional event where supply truly meets demand. Finally, PSI Paris takes place during the month of September. With 50% of exhibitors coming from abroad, the show is becoming autumn’s unmissable event, and makes the most of end-of-year sales. It is also important to note that 50% of retailers visiting the show come from the Ile-de-France region: a great opportunity for those wishing to develop on the French market.
What are the major trends for the promotional products market?
2009 will probably not be a year of growth. The global figures for the French market will probably be in the region of 1.5 billion euros, as in 2007.
The structure of this sector is still fragmented. Most of the 2 500 businesses that make up the sector are very small or small to medium-sized businesses. In addition, 80% of our visitors come from businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
In terms of products, we will be seeing that basic trends will include ethical products, sustainable development, design, IT, etc. They correspond to the demands of advertisers and therefore, to the end clients..
And what will be the main events during the show?
Last year, we launched the PSI Paris Awards. During the first two days of the show, the best products were presented to the visitors. Using their badge, visitors voted for their favourite product or textile. During the second day of the show, the PSI Paris Awards presented prizes to the winners during an official ceremony. The awards were very well received by the profession.
The 2008 winners, such as Mid Ocean’s Brand, went ahead and put the PSI Paris Awards logo in their catalogue. We are also looking to develop this event by reworking the categories.
We are now in discussions with our partner, 2FPCO. This year, we should be receiving around 250 products, and we will choose 70 of them to participate in the competition, following the same procedure.
PSI Paris 2009 will also feature a new event: the PSI Textile Village. The Fashion Show was playful and fun, but we wanted something even better for our highly professional visitors. We also decided to create a truly B to B event. In the textiles village, stationary models will present the latest textiles launches by around twenty exhibitors.
Obviously, for visitors to have the information they require in terms of technicity and practical aspects, each item will be displayed with a very detailed product information sheet.
For more information, visit www.psi.paris.com
Or write to Clémence LONG : clemence.long@reedexpo.fr