Report on the October 2019 show
PLUG IN│Editorial Office
UPLOADED 1 NOVEMBER, 2019
"PLUG IN" (hosted by Senken Shimbun), held over three days from October 23, drew 3,197 visitors, surpassing last October's show. A total of 131 companies exhibited, including the special-feature areas, presenting 159 brands. In line with the new concept introduced this time — "a business platform that goes beyond the trade show" — the new tech, food and general-goods, and cross-industry collaboration areas proved popular, and the Business Pitch event held for buyers during the show also helped generate business discussions.
3,197 visitors attended, surpassing the previous October show
● PLUG IN Grand Prix "Adélie," chosen by visitor vote as the most memorable exhibiting brand for the "PLUG IN Grand Prix," won for the third time running, following its wins at the past two shows. Its attention to embroidery, design, and choice of materials was highly rated.
● Business Pitch On the first day, exhibitors who passed a prior screening pitched to buyers from department stores, select shops, and more, in the "Business Pitch." Participating brands praised the event, saying things like "the feedback from buyers made clear what we need to improve" and "it's already led to a concrete business discussion."
An exhibitor pitches in front of buyers at the "Business Pitch"
● Active collaboration and exchange among exhibitors Exhibitors who met at the show hit it off and began talk of launching new business together. "Magic Mayonnaise" and "Golden Mustard," both from the food and general-goods area, teamed up with "Toumaya Shoten," an exhibitor from the LTC (Linktoc Creative) area, to sell hot dogs at the on-site café. Exchange among exhibitors was also lively elsewhere, spurred in part by the reception party held on the first day.
● A range of support programs after the show, too Exhibitor support after the show has also been enriched. Alongside the "PLUG IN Pop-Up Store" program, the office offers the monthly networking event "PLUG IN HUB," "management and financing consultations," an "overseas trade show program," and the "Business Salon" seminar series — all initiatives that go beyond the conventional trade-show format.
● New plans from the March show To accelerate these reforms, the March 2020 show will introduce revised exhibitor plans with a new pricing structure and enhanced amenities. Applications are now open. The first entry deadline is Friday, December 20.