Paperworld returns to Frankfurt, Germany, from 26-29 January 2019. The tradeshow will not only feature an amended hall concept that reinforces the division of the fair into two sections – the ‘visionary office’ and ‘stationery trends’ – but also a number of new ancillary showcase areas and seminars.
Hall 3.1 will become what Messe Frankfurt calls as a “comprehensive stationery platform”, combining the gift, wrapping and celebration categories that were previously in Halls 5.1 and 6.1 with other lifestyle categories in the stationery segment. The revised product arrangement, say the organisers, will result in a number of advantages: exhibitors can position themselves in their market setting with their competitors and have easier access to additional groups of buyers, while visitors can see supplementary product lines for their fields of business and make contact with the appropriate manufacturers.
Says Paperworld Director Michael Reichhold: “Paperworld is highly successful with its clear hall concept and transparent product arrangement. Now we aim to build on this and create more room for new exhibitors. At the same time, the restructuring opens up new perspectives that are decisive for fresh ideas and results in valuable business contacts.”
Also in Hall 3.1 in 2019 is the annual Paperworld Trends show where designers will discuss how current trends in fashion, architecture and art can be adapted to the paper, office supplies and stationery world.
Office of the future
Product arrangements in other exhibition areas remain largely unchanged. Hall 4.0, for example, will feature writing and drawing instruments and school supplies, while Hall 3.0 will continue to be focused on the office with all office supplies, equipment, furnishings and promotional products in that space.
That said, Hall 3.0 was also expected to be the third Plaza year – an initiative between Messe Frankfurt and German trade association PBS-Markenindustrie that sees the group’s members exhibiting at Paperworld every two years. As Messe Frankfurt confirmed to OPI, there will be no Paperworld Plaza in 2019, with these exhibitors instead being integrated into Hall 3.0 among many other OP suppliers. It seems unlikely that the concept will be repeated at future events, given that in 2017 – the last Plaza year – support was already rather subdued.
The complementary programme in Hall 3.0, meanwhile, will once again revolve around the ‘Future Office’ and include a wide-ranging speaker programme as well as exhibition space that is focused specifically on the issue of flexibility in the office. Presentations will discuss what makes a modern office flexible, with themes such as versatile working hours, mobile workspaces, and furnishings in modern office landscapes all being covered.
Says Reichhold: “Design of office premises, zone concepts, clean desk and mobile devices are the answers to flexible working requirements. That is why companies are investing increasingly in new concepts, office facilities and in mobile terminals. The Future Office will be showing how this can be put into practice in the workplace.”
Expanded complementary programme
Another new – and very current – addition, also to be held in Hall 3.0, will explore the concept of ‘New Envelope – Packaging for E-Commerce’. This exhibition area will showcase various packaging solutions for the shipment of online purchases, while specialist talks will be held on the topic of “e-commerce cleverly packaged”.
Over in Hall 4.0, a new knowledge forum called ‘Future Learning’ will concentrate entirely on pioneering concepts and lifelong learning. Topics include the digitisation and increased flexibility of learning, the design of attractive teaching rooms and networked learning. What new possibilities are there and what can the paper, office supplies and stationery sector do to help with the journey?
Remanexpo will take place in Hall 5.1, and visitors can once again attend the Remcon seminars to find out about developments in reconditioned printer consumables and hard copy components. Talks will include themes such as Brexit and its impact on the sector, digital marketing and social media strategies.
Aside from a wide range of new initiatives, there will also be many familiar events and awards, including Sustainable Office Day, the Business Matchmaking Programme and Paperworld Insider.
For an interview with Paperworld Director Michael Reichhold, look out for the February 2019 issue of OPI.
Mark the date
Paperworld will take place from 26-29 January 2019 in Frankfurt, Germany.
