From in-store and object design to POS displays and packaging
Shop-window communication through LEDs, prints on mineral surfaces and 3D prints in interior design: the projects announced for viscom world of inspiration have the ability to define the look of a store. Covering 800 square metres, this special area within viscom, the international trade fair for visual communication, is a marketplace for ideas, best practices and networking where visitors can preview the future, get inspired and broaden their horizons. A special focus will be on in-store and object design, displays and product packaging, especially folding boxes.
Applications samples ranging from traditional to digital media will be central. POS innovations and trends, packaging solutions, print finishing innovations and select materials will be on display.
Three of the viscom world of inspiration subareas will be dedicated primarily to packaging, a new segment at viscom: technology & material, design & development and products & applications will set the stage for the presentation of premium packaging, packaging trends, print technologies and highlights from the world of materials. In addition, commercial printing, print finishing and POS display innovations will be shown here. Visitors will see all the segments along the value chain that help to enable companies to optimally present their products and services at the POS.
On the exhibitor side, the event aims to draw manufacturers of folding boxes, print service providers, creative professionals and designers, packaging engineers and agencies, among others. All of them are equally welcome to attend as visitors, too, joining brand manufacturers and distributors, marketing and product managers, trade marketing managers, and object and shop designers. In addition to serving as an innovation and inspiration platform, world of inspiration aims to provide a venue for an exchange of ideas between all those groups. The centrally located inspiration lounge and café is just one of the ways this dialogue among all industry players is encouraged.
Completing the programme will be the focus day "Marketing at the POS – customer loyalty and visual communication", which will take up themes such as "Out-of-the-box experiences on the way to becoming the object of desire", "Future Lab: POS meets mobile" or "Talking to each other: display meets packaging".
technology & material
New packaging printing processes, finishing technologies, new materials, and paints and varnishes will be the focus here. Beyond showing just the machines themselves, the goal is to illustrate the results they can produce. Marketing professionals will be able to gain great insights into the practical possibilities offered by these novel technologies.
design & development
Generating higher sales through the right design: the design & development area will provide a presentation platform for packaging designers and engineers; display, brand, industrial and graphic designers; advertising agencies; and media designers. Displays and packaging, which often form a single unit, will both be presented. The goal is the establishment of a coherent brand presence.
products & applications
(Print) products serve to position brands at the POS while providing guidance to customers and triggering purchases. viscom world of inspiration will showcase marvels from the premium printing segment. Print service providers, packaging manufacturers and print finishing specialists will get a chance to show off their skills here – from packaging and display highlights to interactive immersive decorations to security and tagging options.
instore & object design
The instore & object design segment will stage a recreation of the buying experience right in the middle of the exhibition hall, providing a realistic venue for product presentations. The target group includes providers of displays, illuminated advertising, digital signage, flooring, wall design, POS fixtures and shelf labels, among others. A number of intriguing projects have already been announced, for example a large installation of LED media blinds. Unusual shopfitting design choices can also help stores to stand out. A new digital printing technique using mineral substrates such as sand or concrete opens up a plethora of options. Another hot topic right now, including in the visual communication industry, is 3D printing and its applications.
Digital Signage Best Practice Award
Displays have long been both: analogue and digital. In many cases, digital elements make sense when they supplement conventional displays and enhance the shopping experience. Be it information, entertainment, wayfinding guidance or product and price communication – digital signage offers endless options for retail and beyond. Presenting the nominees for the Digital Signage Best Practice Award, viscom world of inspiration will showcase the best of the latest projects. The award is presented at viscom every year. Already in its eighth edition by now and the only prize evaluating projects in their entirety, it long ago became the industry benchmark.
Presentations and networking
Rounding out the viscom world of inspiration programme will be the speakers corner, the lunch & learns and the inspiration lounge and café. The speakers corner will offer three days of exhibitor presentations, panel discussions and interviews. The headline claim of the supporting programme is: "The world goes visual – visual communication moves the world." Additionally, special theme days will cover these topics: "Hybrid worlds – the evolution of digital signage", "Marketing at the POS – customer loyalty and visual communication" and "Advertising technology – creativity meets business model". The lunch & learn area will feature one-hour lectures and discussions daily during viscom. The inspiration lounge und café will serve as a meet and greet venue for decision-makers, experts and first-time attendees.
