This was despite the biggest rail strike in German history, which heavily impacted Frankfurt, and still saw 10,064 visitors through the doors.
While slanted towards the German market in its exhibitor and visitor profile, the exhibition had a huge amount to offer any visitor, yours truly included. Arriving in Frankfurt the day before the event a press pack was whisked away into the hills around the city to learn something about a strong cultural trend that continues to gain momentum in Germany and is having a tangible impact on the visual communications industry.
One of the most interesting stops saw us visit Boelling, a historic family business that uses vintage Heidelberg presses and hand finishing to produce the most beautiful and authentic print products I have ever seen. With clients from the heads of the world’s biggest banks to newlyweds who want truly unique thank you cards, the company is seeing a resurgence in business from customers who are turning away from mass-market consumer brands and digital processes. Instead they want something that is bespoke and high quality.
At Viscom 2014 we also noticed that finally customers are back to demanding quality products rather than cheap alternatives, and they be supplied all under one roof, which is a big relief for us”
Walking the halls, which played host to 325 exhibitors, it was clear that Viscom’s pulling power is only increasing. HP were up front and centre flanked by all the major wide-format brands. Indeed, Mimaki Europe built an incredible two-tiered stand with gargantuan hanging light boxes that was the talk of the show, while Roland DG demonstrated its pioneering 3D print technology.
There were also a number of companies specifically targeting the UK market for expansion such as MutiPanel, which supplies a huge range of rigid media through Perspex. Global Print Solutions were showcasing garment and textile branding equipment. InkTec was focussing on its consumables business. Usables had a fantastic point-of-sale solution, which sees objects literally float in the air without support. VHF showcased its new range of CNC routers and cutters, and IKONOS, one of the biggest vinyl suppliers in Poland, were seeking new distributors.
Speaking to Tamer Rishmawi, export sales manager for IKONOS, he was emphatic about the show’s potential: “Our mission is to prove ourselves and find new interesting contacts for the West European and especially UK markets. Every show we participate in takes us another step closer to our goal, we know it is a long procedure and it takes a lot of patience and hard work.
“At Viscom 2014 we also noticed that finally customers are back to demanding quality products rather than cheap alternatives, and they be supplied all under one roof, which is a big relief for us.”