Last Updated on 26. April 2016 by PantherMedia
Visiting fotofringe
Hallo, I am Tomas Speight, and am the new CEO at PantherMedia. I'll be writing here on a regular basis in future. My current focusses are increasing the range of collections we have on offer and expanding our international distribution network. Last week I visited fotofringe in London in pursuit of both purposes. Fotofringe took place at the renowned Kings Place location close to the centre of London.
Getting there
I set off from home at 4:30 am to catch the very early morning flight with Eurowings. After a brief interlude on the apron for an unexpected and unseasonal de-icing session at Dusseldorf Airport I went on to Paddington Station (bought Paddington bear for son) The next leg was by underground to Kings Cross Station (bought Hedwig the Owl from Harry Potter for daughter and took a photo of platform 9 3/4). From there it was only a few steps to get to Kings Place in midst of a recently revitalised district.
What did it look like at fotofringe
An unbelievably diverse range of British stock photography agencies presented itself across multiple levels in the foyer as well as in further rooms. I never seize to be amazed at the incredible number of agencies and the enormous range of specializations on show. Agencies anywhere in size from small photo departments of museums to global mega agencies were on site to engage with picture buyers.
PantherMedia's objectives at the event
Our objectives at the show were to answer the questions whether and how we should participate in the following year and if we could uncover attractive new collections to offer to our clients. And of course we wanted to see what the competition is up to.
Aside from that, it was the first opportunity for me in my new role as CEO to introduce PantherMedia to existing and new partners. I am happy to say that PantherMedia draws a positive response in industry circles which we hope to build on for the future.
Sum up
I definitely came across a number of interesting collections in specific areas, which we might be able to offer in the future. I'll have more to report on that at a later date. The other question, whether we should be exhibit at fotofringe, will depend on finding a good approach to presenting ourselves. Unfortunately, the trade show restricts how exhibitors can present themselves significantly and it's quite difficult to do something truly noticeable within the rules. And the competition: They also only put their trousers on one leg at a time.
One thing I can say with absolute certainty: Paddington and Hedwig both got a great welcome when I got home!
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