It may seem a little early to consider next year's trade shows, with a well-earned Christmas break hopefully on the cards for most, and a lot of preparation for all. But 2012's first exhibitions for our industry happen in January, and the others will come very soon behind. When the four Viscom shows closed their respective doors in Düsseldorf, Paris, Milan and Madrid this autumn, it wasn't the end of a major logistical operation: it was the beginning of the next phase.
The German stop on the Viscom trail will move from Düsseldorf to its co-host Frankfurt next October, and barely a few weeks went by after the 2011 show ended before its organiser confirmed that Mimaki, Mutoh, Fujifilm Sericol, Igepa, Roland, Brunner Spandex and Complott have all agreed space at the Exhibition Centre Frankfurt. At a time when Europe – and the world – is still struggling with economic uncertainty it is comfort to know that some of the industry's best-known companies are planning ahead. Not only that, but it is also a signal for other potential exhibitors to get organised.
Marc Prien's Mini wrap was among the winners of designmaker 2011
Indeed, not just manufacturers and suppliers but creative minds too. According to Viscom, 75 people put their names down the 2012 designmaker competition at the 2011 show in Düsseldorf – and with good reason: designers only have until January 31st to register, and must then submit their entries by February 28th. It will be the second outing for the contest, which, as its tagline 'Design Meets Feasibility' suggests, recognises how designers' creative output works on a specific range of everyday items, from cars to floors to coffee mugs.
The theme for the 2012 contest is 'Visual Hero' so there's plenty of room for imagination, and since there's a prize of €3,000 (￡2,600) for the best concept – and more cash and other prizes – it's worth anyone with design experience and the relevant tools taking part. In fact, Viscom states designmaker is aimed mainly at sign-makers, graphic design companies and advertising firms, but 'all participants are admitted who feel up to this task'.
That is the feeling of the Viscom show, in essence: the acceptance that design for advertising and imagination is all around us, and industry professionals shouldn't limit themselves to one small area. "The trade fair releases creative fantasies – that is precisely what makes it so interesting not only to the classic visitor target groups but also to a growing number of marketing decision-makers and creative minds from the agency world," Hans-Joachim Erbel, chief executive of Viscom organiser Reed Exhibitions Deutschland said after the Düsseldorf show, summing up what visitors to Viscom Frankfurt 2012 should expect.
Viscom Frankfurt will take place from October 25th to 27th 2012.