Paperworld Middle East\u2019s organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East moved the event\u2019s new dates to 2-4 March 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, but before that, an abbreviated virtual show will take place over two days online from 8-9 September 2020.<\/p>\n
Ali Akbar, Paperworld Middle East\u2019s show director, said while it cannot replace the benefits of meeting face to face, the online platform will offer customers a new form of business networking as schools, retailers, and offices look to make new orders and replenish supplies.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to offer our valued customers analternative stage to do business in the absence of meeting face to face, and so next month, we\u2019re presenting the Middle East\u2019s first digital trade fair dedicated to paper, stationery, art, crafts and office supplies,\u201d said Mr. Akbar.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve signed on 35 launch partner brands for this digital edition, many of which will enter the Middle East and African market for the first time, and we intend to have 50-plus exhibitors on-board in the coming weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr. Akbar said exhibitors can design their own virtual stand, host live webinars, upload their product portfolios, create order forms and receive specific enquiries directly from potential customers.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cImporters and exporters from across the region, specialist stores, back-to-school purchasers, government departments, and event companies will be among thousands of virtual trade buyers that can interact with important suppliers showcasing numerous products and services, all from the comfort of their home or office.\u201d<\/p>\n
Legatoria La Carta from Italy is among the 35 launch partners for Paperworld Middle East 2020\u2019s virtual edition.\u00a0 The Florence-based company produces high-quality stationery accessories, guest books and sketchbooks, along with its unique marbled paper products.<\/p>\n
Managing Director Arielle B\u00e9nozio said the online showcase next month is an important first step in a new market for Legatoria La Carta, however the quality of the brand\u2019s product range can only really be fully understood in person.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am a strong believer in the importance of meeting customers face to face to show them the quality of our products which are handmade and need to be touched and looked at in \u2018real life\u2019,\u201d said Ms. B\u00e9nozio, whose handmade marbled paper products offer a more modern touch on what is known as a Florence specialty.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe opportunity to test the Middle East market with a virtual fair seems a good way to present our products to potential new customers.\u00a0 To have a \u2018virtual display window\u2019 in a new geographical area will help us create contacts and make our brand become more visible, but I\u2019m aware that this won\u2019t be enough without participation at the show\u2019s 2021 edition, which is why we plan to exhibit in Dubai next March.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spanish manufacturer CyP Brands is another European supplier keen to test the Middle East market in September 2020, and will present its range of licensed and non-licensed stationery, back to school items, gifts and toys.<\/p>\n
CyP Brands\u2019 Managing Director Almudena Cerezo said the virtual trade fair \u201cseems a good alternative to touch base, introduce ourselves and make our first professional contacts in a new market.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve participated in many physical trade fairs, but this is the first time we\u2019re going to be part of a virtual trade fair. We\u2019re curious about the scope, functioning and results of this new format, and we\u2019re looking forward to our participation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s our intention to also exhibit at Paperworld Middle East in March 2021, depending on the covid-19 evolution over the next few months as well as on the results of the online event,\u201d added Mr. Cerezo.<\/p>\n
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