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PSI 2009 – International Trade Fair for Advertising Specialities

PSI continues on its growth course: At PSI 2009 which will take place from 7 to 9 January at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre, the organisers Reed Exhibitions expect more than 900 exhibitors from 30 countries and 20,000 trade visitors. For the first time next year, the leading European trade fair of the promotional products industry will occupy a total net surface of 40000 sqm which represents an extension of almost 5,000 sqm compared to this year's PSI. With less than four months to go until the event, more than 800 exhibitors have already booked their stands. Many exhibitors have taken advantage of the opportunity this year to book a larger area and/or to realise new stand concepts.

With this excellent booking rate, PSI continues on its record course of the last few years: With almost 875 exhibitors (+ 6%) on a stand area of 35, 390 m² (+ 4, 8%), this year's PSI had already exceeded all previous records for the third time running. In terms of visitor numbers, the 46th PSI once again grew in 2008 and topped all expectations expressed beforehand with a new record of 19382 trade visitors (2007: 18, 554) and an increase of 4.46 percent.

This year, PSI occupied the usual Halls 3, 4, 5, 7 and 9 and an area of 61, 000 sqm for the last time. Starting next year, PSI will occupy Halls 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. "In the long run, this opens perspectives for further growth, " explains PSI Managing Director Michael Freter. "In fact, the immense demand which PSI had to handle in the last few years can only be satisfied in the long run if we make this change." Since 2002 PSI recorded an increase in surface area of almost 20 percent.

The change of halls also eliminates the "waiting list" of the past few years where potential exhibitors had to wait for a stand place. In the long run, PSI will have the option to grow to up to 85,000 sqm by using Hall 14. Another important advantage for exhibitors and visitors is a marked improvement in visitor routing, since the direct connection between the halls eliminates the need to go outside. At the same time the entrance arrangements were optimised. Starting in 2009, not only the familiar North Entrance of Hall 9 but also the Entrance "Mid Ocean Brands Northeast" leading directly into Hall 13 will be used.

Next year, PSI will offer particularly favourable terms to young companies. As part of a grant programme by the Federal Ministry for Economy and Technology (BMWi), young small and medium-sized companies receive financial assistance to present themselves at the trade fair and can use this Federal subsidy to exhibit at a joint stand at PSI 2009. The objective of the programme is to support the marketing of innovative products. Up to 80 percent of the cost of stand rental and construction will be borne by the Federal Ministry for Economics. The company's own contribution will be a mere 20 percent. The upper limit for any individual grant is set at 7,500 euros.

Starting next year, the PSI Technology Forum will be found in Hall 9. Here, exhibitors will provide information on possible application and installation methods and techniques for advertising information and logos, on the latest printing technologies as well as textile processing.

The 47th PSI will take place from 7 to 9 January 2009 at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre. Admission to the fair is limited to PSI members only. Italy, the United Kingdom and Spain will present themselves at international country pavilions, further country pavilions to be occupied by Poland, Turkey, France and the USA are in the planning stage.



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