D – In the scope of the new information exhibition called FACThibition, HAPTICA® live will from 2024 onwards focus on a background theme that changes annually. The first edition of the exhibition format is dedicated to a material that has taken the haptic advertising world by storm, praised for its sustainable aspects, yet critically questioned: ocean plastic.
On introducing the exhibition format, FACThibition, the organisers WA Media are adding an extra programme item to the “Experience of Haptic Advertising”, which is scheduled to take place at the World Conference Center Bonn (WCCB) on March 13, 2024. An informative exhibition, which conveys know-how and interesting facts about an annually changing topic using texts, images, videos and product examples, awaits the visitors on the new zone. The FACThibition will provide in-depth insights into the respective topic and convey more detailed knowledge than a simple product presentation and will thus help the visitors attain competence and background information on the theme at hand.
The premiere of FACThibition is dedicated to a material that is not only widespread in the B2C sector, but also on the promotional products market: Many brands and manufacturers market products that have been produced from plastic waste from the world’s oceans under the keyword “ocean plastic”.
What theoretically sounds like something very good and also offers fantastic material for sustainable storytelling proves – as all too frequently in the case of sustainability – to be complicated on closer inspection. FACThibition will deliver facts and figures on the alarming marine plastic waste problem, inform the audience about the work and the approach of various organisations that make ocean plastic utilisable and will explain the recycling process. The hype about the allegedly wonder material “ocean plastic” will also be critically questioned. Last, but not least the exhibition will present products made from recycled marine plastic.
The German-language lecture programme of the HAPTICA® live is also being expanded in line with the new FACThibition format: In addition to providing insights into the marketing practice and haptic strategies of renowned companies and organisations, in future the programme will also cover knowledge themes. Hence, on March 13, 2024, Marc Krebs, co-founder of the Swiss organisation Tide Ocean, will also take to the stage.
The theme ocean plastic is also being addressed in the scope of HAPTICA® live’s lecture programme: Marc Krebs, co-founder of Tide Ocean and an expert for the material, will be taking to the stage. Tide Ocean produces high-quality recyclate material from plastic that is collected on beaches and near the sea. The lecture programme will be held in German.
“As a media company and publisher of print and online formats focusing on haptic advertising, we dispose of extensive know-how as well as contacts to many experts,” explained Michael Scherer, Managing Partner of WA Media. “We would like to make this potential even more accessible to our visitors.” Till Barth, Project Manager of the HAPTICA® live, added: “The HAPTICA® live was always more than ‘just’ a trade show – it is really is an ‘Experience of Haptic Advertising’. Insofar our new format FACThibition fits in perfectly with the event’s other infotainment elements – the lecture programme, the Best Practice Show, not to mention, of course, the product presentations of our exhibitors, who are experts in their profession and who possess a wealth of information and valuable knowledge about products, materials and fields of application.” As in 2023 already, in 2024 there is going to be a Newcomer Area for new market players again.
All of the exhibitors will introduce themselves briefly in German on HAPTICA®//ONLINE, the digital enhancement to the HAPTICA® live in the run-up to and after the trade show. They can also be contacted via the portal in the case of product enquiries. Visiting the “Experience of Haptic Advertising” on March 13, 2024 is free of charge. It is merely necessary to register in advance via the event website.
Photos: Thomas Gebhard, © WA Media (1); Tide Ocean (2)
