HAPTICA live – The Experience of Haptic Advertising was held at the World Conference Center in Bonn, Germany on March 18. Organized by Cologne-based media company WA Media GmbH, the trade show brought together exhibitors, distributors and end users to celebrate tangible forms of advertising such as branded merchandise.

  • This was the 14th HAPTICA live since its inception in 2013.

Along with 1,065 visitors from branded merch and other sectors, there were 103 exhibitors displaying a diversity of products to emphasize the potential impact of branded merch as a form of advertising.

“Thoughts are swirling here, ideas are beckoning,” said Carina Weizinger, an attendee from Franz & Krause. “I found the lecture by Nina Krannich, ‘Toi Toi & Dixi,’ really cool. With some really good ideas in tow, I will now spend the next days testing, contemplating and further developing a few good concepts.”

Thoughts are swirling here, ideas are beckoning.”

Carina Weizinger

Franz & Krause

Included in the HAPTICA live experience was:

  • The Newcomer Area, with 15 new exhibitors.
  • Best Practice Show: a presentation of ten carefully curated multimedia campaigns showcasing the possibilities of branded merch.
  • Advertising for REAL: a booklet featuring a study put together by the HAPTICA editorial team with results that show the advantages of haptic advertising.


“A trade fair rarely gives you the feeling the moment you walk in that you are in the right place. Everything seemed exceptionally professional, while at the same inviting,” said Magnus Schweers, another attendee, from WDR. “The well-planned organization, the high-quality exhibitors, the many stimulating conversations – it all had an effortless quality that can’t be planned and only arises when many people work exceptionally well together. I left with a host of new thoughts and inspirations.”

  • Next year’s HAPTICA live is already scheduled for March 17, 2027. It will again be held at the WCCB in Bonn, Germany.