We had the amazing opportunity to interview Michael Reichhold, Director of Paperworld. We obtained really interesting information about this fair.
Does the fair presents a BtoB Networking Platform? Could you explain about it?
Michael Reichhold: "Paperworld is a BtoB trade fair. For years, it has combined the two main focuses of office and stationery under one roof and contains the largest product range of paper, office supplies and stationery. Wholesalers and retailers, PBS-merchants and international buyers find suitable products at Paperworld. The sector of high-quality stationery products is also interesting for smaller PBS-shops, bookstores, gift shops, toy shops or department stores."
What are the latest trends in this Industry? Will these trends be exhibit also in the fair?
Michael Reichhold: “In the office sector are new developments and trends, about the office designe in the future. We transformed it into a special exhibition and were able to introduce the visitors to the novelties at "Future Office" in Hall 3.0. This time it was all about health. Informative lectures and guided tours explained what constitutes the healthy office. An additional presentation area within the special show, in which brand manufacturers presented their products in the areas of acoustics, light, air, hygiene, ergonomics, sustainability and furnishing, supplemented the special show. The stationery area was all about modern lifestyle products for the office. Here the Paperworld Trend Show in the foyer of Hall 5.1. and 6.1 focused on the colors, shapes and materials of the next season and showed how the products of the exhibitors can be combined in the store to boost sales."
What are the advantages of exhibiting at Paperworld?
Michael Reichhold: “Paperworld is the world's largest trade fair in its sector, with an internationality rating of 83 percent on the exhibitor side. The trade visitors are just as international. This ensures that the exhibitors can get to know many new target groups in Frankfurt and make new business contacts. In addition, they can introduce themselves in a professional environment with their new products. In addition, we offer all exhibitors the opportunity to present themselves and their products on our website throughout the year."
Can you give us some tips to take the best out of visiting this event?
Michael Reichhold: "For the visit to the fair, I recommend that you inform yourself in advance with our exhibitor search, where product groups, manufacturers and innovations can be found. There is also a varied supporting program. To organize your stay use the event calendar, where you can find the lecture times, award ceremonies or guided tours. Just visit paperworld.messefrankfurt.com and plan your visit there."
Why has Paperworld become the most important industry meeting point, source of inspiration and order platform for the wholesale and retail trade as well as for corporate buyers?
Michael Reichhold: “Paperworld has a very long history in Frankfurt am Main. Until 1997, the product areas around paper, office supplies and stationery were united in the trade fair Premiere with other product groups. In order to enable further growth of the individual industries, own trade fairs were founded, including Paperworld. With this a long tradition and Paperworld has firmly established itself in Frankfurt am Main as the largest international PBS trade fair. In addition, Frankfurt is a very good and central location and with the international airport also easy to reach for guests from abroad."
How to apply to exhibit or attend?
Michael Reichhold: “The exhibitors can already register for Paperworld 2019, all information is available on the website at paperworld.messefrankfurt.com. The Paperworld Team is also happy to advise on stand booking and placement."
Lastly, can you give us some participation results from the last edition?
Michael Reichhold: “Paperworld 2018 has grown in terms of both exhibitor and visitor numbers and was a very successful event. A total of 1,640 exhibitors from 66 countries presented themselves on the four days of the fair. With growth of eight percent, we have achieved a turnaround. Also on the visitor side, Paperworld was able to grow this year. 33,787 trade visitors, of which 11,072 from Germany and 22,715 from abroad, were inspired by the latest trends and new products. According to the visitor survey, 95 percent of the trade visitors were very satisfied with the offer at Paperworld. So, find out about the latest news from the PBS world and come to Paperworld in Frankfurt in 2019 - it's worth it! "
