Insights-X

What: Insights-X When: 5-7 October Where: Nuremberg Exhibition Centre Web: www.insights-x.com/en

The show with the X factor!

Greetings Today talks to Christian Ulrich, spokesperson of the executive board at Spielwarenmesse eG, about this autumn’s stationery trade show, Insights-X, which due to the cancellation of Paperworld, offers the only opportunity this year to meet in person with some of its exhibitors

This is the first expo since 2020 - what changes can we expect to see?

From 5-7 October, we will be showcasing the latest trends and innovations from the diverse world of stationery in a close-knit environment at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre. One thing that has changed is the schedule: the expo is now from Wednesday to Friday. This is in response to the wishes of many of our customers. In addition, we will further optimise the presentation options for our exhibitors as well as expand the scope of our digital services. How will you make this the best expo yet?

We continue to believe in our tried-and-tested format of a friendly, personal and individual expo. Just at the right time to submit orders, we are once again creating a meeting place for the international stationery industry that is characterised by a remarkably relaxed networking atmosphere, which is quite unusual for a trade fair. Industry representatives and retailers have the opportunity to conduct productive business conversations without the pressure of a deadline and to make new contacts. Our attractive supporting programme, such as the expert presentations at InsightsTalks, will provide decision-makers and retailers with valuable insight for their businesses. What’s new for this year’s expo?

The topic of digitalisation has become important for the stationery industry. More and more paper, office and stationery products are receiving digital enhancements. We will reflect this market development in our product groups. Thus, we have included digital products into the portfolios of all six Insights-X categories. We will also set a focus on them at the 16 www.greetingstoday.co.uk

expo itself. Keep an eye out for the innovations we will be presenting in the upcoming months! Sustainability is a key focus for a number of trade fairs - is this true for Insights-X?

More and more people are placing value on environmentally-friendly and sustainable products - including those in the stationery sector. Many stationery companies are already taking this development into account by focusing on the sustainable use of resources in manufacturing, for example. The next edition of Insights-X will be dedicated to the topic of sustainability and will make it even easier for retailers to find sustainable products. What is a must-see at the expo?

The InsightsArena is always worth a visit. At the InsightsTalks, industry experts provide valuable information on current trends and market developments in short presentations every day. Another thing retailers and buyers should make sure to see are the nominees and winners of our Special Award Ergonomics. Which hygiene measures will be in place to prevent the spread of Covid?

At this point in time, it is of course difficult to tell which measures will be in place during Insights-X. This will depend largely on the further course of the pandemic as well as official regulations. We are working closely with the health authorities and NürnbergMesse to create our hygiene concept. We will keep exhibitors and trade visitors informed about the current regulations on our website. In Bavaria, several trade fairs with extensive hygiene and precautionary measures have taken place in recent months quite successfully. This makes us confident for the autumn and shows: trade fairs are safe! How will you make the expo accessible to those who cannot travel due to Covid and travel restrictions?

We are supplementing our online services with a new platform that is optimally tailored to the needs of industry and retail: Insights-X Digital. This platform provides various tools for networking and other services for expo preparations and product presentations, among other things. This will further increase the efficiency of participating in the expo for exhibitors as well as retailers. However, our focus will remain on the on-site expo. Advice for new visitors

We offer retailers various services to help them prepare for Insights-X. Trade visitors will find a concise overview of all exhibitors and their products in the online catalogue. Another valuable tool is our Insights-X app. It includes the list of all exhibitors as well as all hall plans.

And just for the expo, we offer affordable accommodation options via our Partner Hotel Programme and our cooperation with Airbnb. We also make sure to stay in contact with retailers all year long - with our monthly newsletter and social media channels, for example. We use them not only to spread the latest industry news, but also to keep everyone up to date with any new developments concerning the expo and provide helpful tips for planning a visit.

I’m looking forward to meeting the international stationery industry in person once again!