D – The Expo 4.0, the trade fair group comprising of TecStyle Visions (Textile embellishment and promotion), wetec (advertising technology, digital printing, light advertising and digital signage) and GiveADays (promotional products and haptic advertising), had been postponed for the last three years due to COVID, however the trade show recently celebrated its comeback from March 30-April 1, 2023. According to the organisers, in total 303 exhibitors from 23 countries came to Stuttgart to present their novelties and innovations in the segments printing methods, embroidery, textiles and promotion.
The show once again focused on the TecStyle Vision, where renowned manufacturers showcased their novelties, among others from the promotion wear, workwear, corporate fashion and textile accessories sections. The special event, fair eco bio, demonstrated that sustainability and fair trade also play a major role in the textile industry. In addition to informing themselves about ecological production methods here, the visitors were also able to decorate T-shirts with a screen print themselves under the instruction of experienced staff. A fashion show with a highly active choreography that was held several times a day showed how to design contemporary headwear, T-shirts and pullovers and what they look like in action. As well as the clothes, the customising options also played a major role. Whether screen or transfer printing, embroidery, flocking, laser engraving or rhinestone applications – every customising option possible was presented.
Small treats and other products that are ideal for implementation as promotional products could be discovered in the GiveADays area. Whereas the promotional products suppliers had erected their stands in the foyer three years ago, this time they shared Hall 3 with the textile manufacturers and distributors.
Although the Easter holidays had already begun in some parts of Germany, the exhibitors were satisfied overall with the attendance and particularly praised the high level of internationality of the event. The organisers, Stuttgart Exhibition Centre, counted around 12,000 visitors from 46 countries in total and were delighted at the large catchment area. Around one third of the visitors travelled from more than 300 km away. So, the concept of the Expo 4.0 continued to work well in the first year after COVID, which is why the show will be staged again: The next edition of the Expo 4.0 is scheduled to take place from February 13-15, 2025.
// Sophia Arnold
https://www.messe-stuttgart.de/tecstyle-visions/en/print-produce-promote
Photos: Sophia Arnold, Michael Scherer, © WA Media
