Promotional Merchandise end user exhibitions used to be very common events where visitors were able to meet suppliers and manufacturers of Promotional Clothing. They were able to touch, feel and discuss the latest widgets and gadgets for themselves. However over the past few years these events, like so many in other industries, have become fewer and fewer. The result of this has meant that it’s even more important for clients to meet up with their Promotional Merchandise suppliers at least a couple of times a year. It is even more important that whoever supplies you with your Business Gifts visits the few Trade Shows available in order to understand the latest trends and to meet manufacturers on your behalf.

The PSI show in Düsseldorf held every year in January is the main showcase in Europe for Promotional Items. Held over 3 days the exhibition brings together all the major suppliers of Promotional Gifts from Leather Conference Folders to Promotional Bottled Water and everything in between. Manufacturers come from all points of the globe and whilst there are not a vast number of Far East suppliers there are enough to make a visit to their stands worthwhile.

Promotional Clothing features highly at such events with manufacturers of Promotional T-shirts, Embroidered Polo Shirts and Promotional Jackets being well represented. Minimum order quantities have been reduced by many manufacturers and it is now possible to order very small quantities of most items including Corporate Clothing. This makes life much easier for clients who do not want to hold large stocks of workwear shirts, trousers and jackets etc.

The 2010 show featured a number of new suppliers in many areas including Promotional Bags and Promotional Paper Products. There appears to be a trend towards manufacturers bringing in-house as many of the manufacturing processes as possible. One Promotional Pen manufacturer in particular not only injection moulded all his own plastic parts of his pens but he also makes his own springs. This in-house production means that he controls all aspects of quality which is very important. Also it means that his lead times are not dependent upon third party suppliers.

A number of ancillary manufacturers at the PSI show were exhibiting also. One in particular was showcasing a fantastic system that enabled you to show your Promotional Merchandise off in full 3D animation. Any items up to a size of approximately 30cm could be photographed in a special light box on a small turn table and then clever soft ware converts the images into a moving showcase. You can then take this file and send it to your clients along with a quotation. Whilst the cost for the system is quite high there is no doubt that these files would really impress anyone who receives them.

Whoever you buy your Promotional Items from it is very important that they visit as many of these shows as possible on your behalf. This will ensure that you are up to date with the very latest Promotional Merchandise and Promotional Clothing on the market.