Continental connections
BPMA membership director Tom Robey kicked off 2024 by spreading the word to Europe at two important events
Exploring the World of Promotional Products: A Recap of CTCO Lyon 2024 and PSI Dusseldorf 2024
In the realm of promotional products, where creativity meets strategy, trade shows serve as vibrant hubs for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and innovate. This year, the BPMA had the privilege of immersing into two prominent events in the promotional products calendar: CTCO Lyon 2024 and PSI Dusseldorf 2024. Here’s a glimpse into both gatherings.
CTCO Lyon 2024
Just outside Lyon, CTCO 2024 brought together an array of industry stakeholders from the EU. Over the course of three dynamic days, the event served as a melting pot of innovation, showcasing the latest EU trends, technologies, and strategies shaping the future of promotional marketing.
Amidst the bustling atmosphere, the BPMA had the opportunity to engage with both European and US associations and organisations, including the PPP (Netherlands), BAPP (Belgium), 2FPCO (France), PWA (Sweden), and AimFap (Spain), amongst others. These interactions underscored the global nature of the promotional products industry and the importance of collaboration in driving innovation and growth.
One of the highlights of our participation at CTCO Lyon was my involvement in a panel discussion titled USA, Europe: du dialogue à la collaboration [USA, Europe: dialogue and collaboration] where industry leaders dissected key trends and challenges facing the sector. The exchange of insights and perspectives during these sessions was both enlightening and inspiring, offering actionable strategies to navigate an ever-evolving market landscape.
PSI Dusseldorf 2024: Connecting in the Heart of Europe
Prior to my attendance at CTCO Lyon, the BPMA had the pleasure of participating in PSI Dusseldorf 2024, held in vibrant Dusseldorf, Germany. This premier trade show served as a gateway to the European promotional products market, offering a platform for industry professionals to showcase their latest offerings and forge meaningful connections.
During PSI Dusseldorf, the BPMA had the opportunity to support members of the BPMA and explore a wide range of innovative products and solutions from exhibitors across the globe. Beyond the bustling trade show floor, the association also seized the chance to network at association and general industry events, fostering valuable connections and gaining insights into emerging trends and best practices.
As the association reflects on experiences at both CTCO Lyon 2024 and PSI Dusseldorf 2024, we remind ourselves of the boundless opportunities for innovation and collaboration within the promotional products industry. These gatherings serve as catalysts for creativity and connection, fuelling our collective efforts to drive positive change and make a lasting impact in the world of marketing and branding.
Show details
CTCO is a three-day promotional garments and gifts show held in Lyon, France, and is the only French event positioned at the beginning of the year. It takes place alongside sister show C!Print which focuses on the related area of visual communication and graphics.
This show attracts more than 300 exhibitors and more than 10,000 visitors over the three days. Next year’s show is on 4-6 February 2025 in Lyon.
The next edition of the long-running PSI show will be held in Dusseldorf on 7-9 January 2025.
