Regulars at PTE – Promotion Trade Exhibition will not fail to remember that tech area of the exhibition where the machines were located and where for years technicians and importers offered buyers demonstrations of the latest printing technologies, also addressing the day-to-day problems of customisation. For PTE 2025, from 22 to 24 January, this area takes on a more defined role, evolving into CustomX, a true “exhibition within an exhibition” with dedicated flows. It will be open not only to PTE’s target audience—printers and customisers—but also to independent retailers, large distribution chains, distributors, and professionals from the home and lifestyle sectors. These industries, more than ever, are called upon to provide bespoke solutions, tailored to individual needs.

The simultaneous timing of CustomX with exhibition events such as Milano Home, Brand Power, Quick&More, whose target audience is increasingly attuned to customisation trends, favours the creation of new contacts and at the same time fosters cross fertilisation. This cross-fertilisation is, in fact, a hot topic between the fashion and custom worlds, leading to the development of a fashion show programme held within the CustomX area. Here, some of the leading promotional apparel brands at PTE will showcase their garments on the runway.

On a technical level, the machines positioned in the CustomX area will offer a round-up of all the most advanced customisation technologies, meeting the needs of those who need to print on fabrics as well as those who use more rigid materials, on flat or three-dimensional surfaces. Of course, the lion's share will be taken by machines with on-board digital technologies such as DTF and DTF UV, without forgetting fundamental accessories such as fume purifiers and ovens, as well as obviously screen printing and sublimation printers, laser markers and embroidery machines. There will even be a multifunctional bench for creating gadgets such as badges, key rings and pens, capable of printing on paper, die-cutting and encapsulating the promotional message inside the gadget.