by Maddalena Baldini

The curtain rises on the Special Edition of PTE, scheduled for 7 and 8 September, in the halls of Fieramilano, in Rho. The only Italian event dedicated to the promotional and customisation sector that marks the official start for the relaunch of this entire sector. A 'two-day' event that promises to be lively and full of novelties, thanks to the enthusiasm and drive that the exhibiting companies transmit, ready to resume work at full speed and happy to welcome and closely view customers, potential buyers and buyers, obviously in compliance with current regulations. Below are some of the statements made by the key players, a mix of drive, determination and good prospects for the future.

«European Sourcing has been exhibiting at PTE for more than 15 years - says Stefania Romeo, Sales Manager France and Italy - Participation in the fair has always given us good results, both in terms of the number of visitors and their quality. Our core business, based on digital relationships between suppliers, resellers and end customers is fundamental but, equally, we are convinced that meeting and exchange events like PTE are an advantage for our development and for the relationship with our partners. It will also be an opportunity to show visitors how easy it is to use our search engine for promotional items and textiles, to explain how it is possible to create a website for a retailer that is rich in products and functions using our My Easy Web technology and how, thanks to in-depth knowledge of our products, catalogues and newsletters can be developed». Stefania Romeo also adds a number of other reasons as to why it is essential to be at PTE: «The September edition represents a symbolic date of recovery, the profession needs to find itself and regain contact after these last few months. We want to show visitors that we are there, that we are ready to welcome them to an event made for them and accompany them in their business throughout the year through our digital tools. An unmissable occasion, in which European Sourcing will present how the offer of products, in the search engine, has been enriched, how website development technologies have evolved and how products are a real daily support for retailers».

«What could be better than meeting again at PTE to kick off the high season? - declared Yves Lechevalier, Country Manager of PF Concept Italia, with enthusiasm - Our sales team will be delighted to showcase the many innovations focused on sustainability, made in Europe and technology. We will also present the various services that go along with our offer, such as new printing techniques, value-added services such as multi-address shipping, gift cases and boxes, and the latest addition, the mini digital catalogue».

«The digital events of recent months have made the world realise the importance of physical ones. That's why it's imperative to attend PTE! - says Beatrice Riccardi, Sales Consultant at Perletti - In-person trade shows solve social needs, help decision-making and stimulate the emotional system of customers and suppliers. Perletti, by presenting its new promotional division, demonstrates its ability to evolve by taking up the challenges of the market and opening up to new business. A safe and reliable partner for all those who wish to promote their brand through branded accessories, quality and style».

«ANDA Present Group's vision is to provide the most innovative service in the promotional industry. Although the past year brought changes for everyone, our focus has been to react quickly with new strategic decisions and product innovations - Dóra Varzsik, marketing assistant, explains - The PTE show not only provides space for the presentation of new products, printing technologies and sales tools, but also allows us to demonstrate our reliability in the promotional industry. Our values have not changed over time, and today more than ever we remain convinced that the personal contact between customer and distributor is the essential basis for a good business relationship».

«Once again this year, in spite of the current historical situation, we are present at the PTE with the same enthusiasm as always and with the desire to get things done, which we share with all the companies in the sector and especially with our customers - said Giuseppe Ventrone, owner of Promoservice - All of our partners, just like us, are convinced of the importance of increasingly necessary communication, even in this unfortunate two-year period. We have adapted and reinvented ourselves to deal with the current situation and although the numbers, at the moment, are a daily challenge, we are confident in an immediate restart».

«Get Impressed also this year has chosen PTE to meet new business partners and renew the well-established bond with historical customers who, for more than 40 years, have appreciated our reality and grown alongside us - states Paola Rocca from marketing - In 2021, after a long period of remote and digital relationships, we are deeply convinced that face-to-face contact is now essential to boost the market, so we look forward to meeting our partners again».

«PTE has always been the appointment of the beginning of the year, of the restart, of re-meeting to work together. This year, the September dates will have the same flavour, but even more intense. We look forward to sharing and introducing you to the innovations we have developed this year - specifies Caterina Catalano, Country Manager Italy Deonet - All new products are designed to offer combinations and branded items for an original and exclusive promotional gift!».

«We decided to participate in PTE because this is an important time to open up and meet press entrepreneurs - said Fabrizio Selis, Market Screentypographic - It is essential to have a comparison with other companies and understand what they do, it is necessary to have an open mind as technologies advance and it is essential to invest in skills and knowledge. On the occasion of the Special Edition of PTE we will present our project born to respond to the real needs in the printing market. Companies increasingly need capable young people to bring fresh ideas that mesh well with the entrepreneur's experience: Atelier della Stampa - Milano Academy has exactly this goal!».

«PTE gives us an exceptional opportunity to meet each other live - says Aneta Sikora of Reiter Polska, Colorissimo® - It's not just worth selling, the biggest value for us is good relationships with customers and their satisfaction. In the difficult period in which we found ourselves, we want to support our customers' companies, to know their needs, to provide the best solutions and to present our products, which at PTE will not only be the photos in the online catalogue, but the objects that you can touch and try».

«For Lanyard.PRO being in PTE is important! It is a professional event and a great opportunity to connect all the people in the industry to create synergies - CEO Henryk Surdej explains - Covid has limited our work a lot but it has led us further to think about how crucial it is to safeguard the planet. For this Lanyard.PRO has thought of Eco Lanyards with lanyards made using rPET, cotton, bamboo, cork, leather. We'll talk about it at PTE!».

«Even for us at Modico Graphics srl, the Italian branch of Modico, a company with a worldwide presence that produces and distributes machinery for small business, being at PTE is a wonderful showcase! Before the pandemic hit the entire planet, our group's activities included over 25 trade shows a year! Contact with customers has always been fundamental and, even if with many responsible restrictions, we want to get back to talking about business, making eye contact and planning new opportunities».

«Why participate in PTE 2021? It will be a wonderful opportunity to start a new season in the promotional sector -  Says Kamila Pieczara of Badge4u - We have many new products to introduce again this year, including pins with different finishing options (UV varnish, hot stamping, embossing) and wooden magnets. Come visit us at our booth at PTE in September!».

«Reopening, Rebirth and Resilience! PrintSolution wants to be there in this new beginning that sees the important in-person meeting with its customers, to bring a burst of enthusiasm to a market where it has always shown initiative - said Elena Ravasi, Commercial dpt of Print Solution Srl - The company has never stopped looking for alternatives and new projects to meet the demands of customers and has chosen PTE for its presentation because it has always been an important showcase for news in the field of digital printing, as well as being a meeting place for Italian and European users. This year we will present our proposals for direct digital printing on packaging and for the single-use sector that has taken hold in a large part of the packaging market. We look forward to seeing you at PTE (Hall 11 - Z61) also at the PTE LAB where you will find competent staff to show you the new products for the first time in your country».