D – The first months of the year 2022 have again been dominated by Corona: Once more almost all trade shows and events were cancelled or postponed throughout Europe – the same also applies for the relevant live platforms, which the promotional products industry normally uses to present the trends and novelties at the start of the year. For the third time in succession due to the pandemic, the HAPTICA® live has been postponed from its original venue date in the spring into the autumn and is now being staged on September 6, 2022 at the World Conference Center Bonn (WCCB) – hence this has become more or less part of the routine for the organisers of the “Experience of Haptic Advertising”.
The decision not to take any risks and postpone the event again was already announced at the beginning of December 2021. Michael Scherer, managing partner of the organisers, WA Media, explained why: “It was already foreseeable in November that the pandemic was going to continue on into the spring and carry on causing uncertainty. However, we also want the tenth edition of HAPTICA® live to satisfy our high quality demands.” Till Barth, Project Manager of the HAPTICA® live, added: “We already proved at the last two editions of the HAPTICA® live that the ‘Experience of Haptic Advertising’ not only works under pandemic conditions, but also in the second half of the year. We can still vividly recall the fantastic atmosphere that prevailed at the last editions and are now focusing on September 6 and an eventful tenth HAPTICA® live.”
As usual, the event will offer a diversified mixture of exhibitors and a first-class supporting programme. Exhibitors from all product areas will present the entire spectrum of haptic messengers that the market has to offer. A continually updated list of exhibitors can be found at www.haptica.live. In the course of the German-language lecture forum, experts from the marketing departments of famous companies and organisations will reveal how they enhance campaigns and brands using haptic ambassadors. Among others, the Kölner Haie – the ice hockey team from Cologne – and Reporters without Borders will be up on stage. The Best Practice Show offers a host of further impulses: Around a dozen international campaigns, in which haptic advertising plays a decisive role, will be presented here in a true-to-detail and informative manner. Finally, the special exhibition on the Promotional Gift Award will showcase all 41 winners of the well-known prize for haptic advertising that is conferred by WA Media annually.
And in case safety and infection protection measures are still in place in September 2022, a corresponding hygiene concept will be drawn up in conjunction with the authorities and the WCCB in advance to enable a safe and risk-free visit.
Photos: Bernadett Yehdou
