The 2024 event was a sell-out, leaving exhibitors and visitors highly satisfied; Edinova already working on the 2025 edition with many innovations in store
Aisles and stands always crowded, a proactive atmosphere, a plethora of innovations, and a host of opportunities at the 28th edition of Big Buyer, which enlivened Hall 3 of Allianz MiCo in Milan – its new venue – from 27-29 November, 2024, indicated that the trade fair reflects the goals and prospects of the entire industry. During the busy three-day event, professionals in the stationery-office sector visited the stands of exhibiting companies in a very exciting atmosphere of mutual exchange, in stark contrast to the not-so-optimistic climate currently prevailing in the overall economic scenario.
Record Breaking Attendance
The counting of the pre-registration forms at event organiser Edinova’s offices, was a lengthy task due to the large number of visitors attending the 28th edition. This task, to the delight of the organisational team, showed that the number of visitors increased by about 2,000 compared to the previous edition, exceeding 9,000 as certified by ISFCERT (Institute for the Certification of Trade Fair Statistical Data), from which Big Buyer has obtained certification for the last three editions. Edinova owner and Big Buyer founder Mariella Nasi Pfeiffer comments on the results achieved: “A change of venue, even if only temporary, always entails a sense of anxiety for the workers involved, even though choices are always made in view of overall development. Upon gathering ‘hot’ feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike, there was virtually unanimous praise for the meticulously curated location and for the comprehensive and varied assortment of products.”
Big Buyer 2024 was attended by all buyers in the wholesale and office supplies channels, including representatives of major international players, besides buyers from all large-scale retail chains. Alongside traditional trade fair visitors, there was a huge upturn in operators with formats that are a fertile ground for the stationery sector, including specialised retailers in consumer electronics and IT. A large number of professionals from the “do it yourself” (DIY) and bookshop channels also took part in the trade fair and were joined by those from retail stationery outlets, bookshops, and specialised retailers from the office stationery segment.
“By focusing on the rapid developments affecting the entire distribution chain, we have started working hard on expanding the target group of visitors, which is beginning to have positive results. The overall outcome, has exceeded our most optimistic expectations and revealed the vitality of the sector, allowing us to foresee further developments in the future,” explains Nasi Pfeiffer. “The event was also attended by many foreign buyers, especially from Europe and the Mediterranean region in pursuit of that authentic ‘Made in Italy’, which is the pride and joy of many exhibitors.”
Conferences and Interactive Workshops
The programme of events bringing the main topical issues into the limelight was also extensive. These included the conference on school inclusion, attended by Paola Frassinetti, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Education and Merit, and the lively Meet&Talk on home office solutions, attended by renowned production and distribution professionals. The world of art, creativity, and hobbies was highlighted in specific demonstration areas, where visitors had the opportunity to learn more about products and operational techniques under the guidance of specialised staff. Well-equipped laboratories arranged along a well-defined route were not only interesting ‘stops’ from a professional point of view, but also pleasant areas for entertainment and, above all, magnets in attracting operators and various types of visitors. By cleverly combining a high-quality exhibition with events focusing on business and product culture, Big Buyer once again, created a winning formula.
Complete Product Portfolio
The exhibiting companies set up their own bright, impressive, and contemporary stands, successfully conveying all the values that guide their brand management and R&D activities on a daily basis. Scenic walls and meticulously curated displays guided those attending in discovering timeless collections, innovative and highly appealing products, as well as many new offerings to enhance the assortment at retail outlets. Big Buyer 2024 provided a comprehensive overview of everything the stationery world has to offer today.
Optimism, the Watchword at Big Buyer
A proactive atmosphere, a plethora of innovations, and many opportunities enlivened an edition that was marked by excellence, offering the specialised and increasingly large number of operators attending concrete ideas not only for expanding their business, but also for boosting their competitiveness. Buyers did not miss the opportunity to view all the new products for the upcoming Back-to-School and 2025 previews, created according to the latest fashion dictates and in response to emerging consumer trends.
