EXPO 4.0, the biennial trade fair trio comprising TecStyle Visions, wetec and GiveADays, is returning and will open its doors again in Stuttgart, Germany. Under the motto ‘Print.Produce.Promote.’, trade fair organiser Messe Stuttgart will offer both exhibitors and visitors at the three trade fairs a platform to look, join in and carry out networking from March 30 to April 1, 2023. TecStyle Visions will be held in the Ceratizit Halle (Hall 3) and Hall 5 is the leading event and heart of the textile decoration industry in Europe. TecStyle Visions’ Project Manager Nicole Dalkolmo tells more about the trade fair to Fibre2Fashion.
What is the expected number of exhibitors and visitors for the upcoming TecStyle Visions 2023?
We expect around 300 exhibitors from 20 countries. After several years of being forced to take a break due to COVID-19, our exhibitors and visitors are looking forward to TecStyle Visions and to being able to make personal contact again. We find the mood to be expectant and, despite many challenges for the companies, generally optimistic. That’s why we are hopeful as far as visitor frequency is concerned.
This will be the first show post-COVID. What changes will be visible at the show?
We deliberately refrain from changing the content of the fair. Especially after a long break and the challenges of the last few years, our visitors should find the image they are familiar with from TecStyle Visions.
Of course, there are also new features that exhibitors and visitors can use. For example, we have extended our exhibition directory as a digital extension. Every company can now maintain a profile in the self-service procedure and post information independently. Interests can be defined directly in the online offer and suitable exhibitors and programme items are displayed.
What are the top industry trends when it comes to textile decoration?
Sustainability is currently more than just a trend; our exhibiting companies know about the increased interest of their customers in this and many of them have expanded and adapted their portfolios to include corresponding products.
Our special show area Fair.Eco.Bio. took up this important topic many years ago and will again provide information and support at this event.
Of course, as a trade fair company, we do not have a complete insight into all trends in the industry. But we also notice that DTG (direct-to-garment) and DTF (direct-to-fabric) printing solutions are currently in great demand and this is also reflected in the product portfolio of our exhibitors.
What kind of innovations and technologies will be at display at the upcoming show?
Our exhibitors present a variety of new products, both machines and accessories, as well as in the field of textiles. On our social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) we have been presenting all our exhibitors almost every day since December, who are already giving an insight into the highlights that they will be showing at the trade fair.
What new is being done at the show?
This time, the TecCheck Area at TecStyle Visions will focus on the topic of ‘Embroidery’ and present fresh ideas for customers’ brand presence under the slogan ‘Pimp you logo’. On our partner show wetec in hall 7 for the first time, The Wrap Institute will present itself and design the special show area ‘TWI Wrap Paradise’. This will certainly be a highlight for visitors, who are also interested in topics other than textile decoration.
You have included Promotion wear, Workwear and Corporate fashion as part of the show. What is the difference between these three? Why are these categories important?
The textiles for the three areas have different requirements. Workwear is primarily about functionality and robustness. The clothing should protect its wearers. Promotion wear should catch the eye and convey messages. Corporate fashion is about giving employees a chic look and expressing the personality of the company. In general, however, the limits for the purposes are fluid, which is why our exhibitors often have products on offer that can prove themselves in many situations.
From which countries are the most number of exhibitors and visitors expected at the show?
In 2020, we had 54 per cent German exhibitors and 46 per cent foreign exhibitors. Among non-German, exhibitors from Great Britain and Northern Ireland were in the lead with 20 per cent. They were followed by Spain, Turkey, Denmark and Poland. After that, almost all European countries follow. Last-minute registrations are still coming in and we are already looking forward to seeing how the overall picture will look in 2023.
Tell us about the TecStyle Fashion Show.
The TecStyle Fashion Show will also again be part of the trade fair in 2023. Under the motto ‘One million colours’, participating textile manufacturers will present their collections from the areas of printwear, workwear and corporate fashion. Visitors to the trade fair will have the opportunity to experience the show four times a day.
Published on: 06/02/2023
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
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