Preview: Big Buyer

BIG BUYER 2022 PREVIEW Not JUST an ITALIAN JOB

Big Buyer was one of the few face-to-face events that happened in 2021 in a challenging, end-of-year COVID-dominated period. And the Bologna, Italy-based trade fair for the office, stationery, arts and crafts, school and promotional goods sectors is back again this year for its 26th edition.

To be held from 23-25 November 2022, show organiser Edinova will be deploying all its experience and know-how to put together a comprehensive and carefully structured event. Delegates will be able to glean an excellent overview of their specific category, both during the exhibition as well as through a wide range of content learning opportunities.

INTERNATIONAL APPEAL

More than 80% of the exhibition hall is already booked, attracting top Italian and international manufacturers that will showcase their best sellers and new products for 2023. The focus is very much on the word ‘brand’.

A concerted effort is being made by the organiser to make the event appealing to international buyers, evidenced by Edinova’s ‘Foreign Project’, which comprises a broad array of communication activities in Europe and beyond. The aim is to attract those buyers’ attention – office suppliers, wholesale distributors, traditional retailers, mass market stores and modern trade operators among them – to the wealth and breadth of Italian as well as global brands.

To celebrate all product innovation, two special areas are again reserved for the latest launches. The first one is the Design Form & Functionality space which highlights products that best combine innovation, aesthetic appeal and practical usage in the office.

Secondly, the Green Environment and Sustainability area will showcase items with outstanding ethical and environmental credentials. A number of awards will also be up for grabs in these categories – the Top Design Award will be presented for the 15th time while the Green Future Award is moving into its second year.

CREATIVITY FIRST

A brand new feature of Big Buyer 2022 is COLORTEC Lab, a workshop dedicated to the creative and hobby channels, two categories that are currently experiencing significant growth in sales. COLORTEC Lab is intended to be of strategic interest to stationery and bookshops; arts & crafts outlets, and paint, DIY and hardware stores, all sectors which are investing heavily to expand their assortments and create recognisable dedicated areas that attract DIY and craft enthusiasts as well as the education vertical.

The workshop will be organised by the final year students of the ‘Liceo Arcangeli’ art school in Bologna. They will use and promote products (paper, colours and techniques) made available by a wide range of exhibitors, and include lessons, experiments, courses and tutorials, all showcasing their technical and creative features.

The final, but vital, component of this event is its educational conference section. It is here where delegates can learn more about the pressing topics that are having such an impact on the make-up of our industry and its future prosperity. E-commerce, digital marketing and social media are covered, as are supply chain topics and the complex transition to a greener world.

A concerted is being made by the organiser to make the event appealing to international buyers

MARK THE DATE

Big Buyer will be held from 23-25 November 2022 in Bologna, Italy. Show updates and the detailed programme will be available on www.bigbuyer.info in due course.