PSI Addresses Member Complaints About End-buyer "Promotional Products Day" at Trade Show

European distributors quickly reacted to the announcement. Many criticized PSI for compromising the industry's hierarchy and relationships between suppliers and distributors, while others applauded the company for adapting to a changing marketplace.

"In the distributors' opinion, the structure of the market—suppliers, distributors, end customers—would be in great danger if the PSI Show opens its doors to end customers," said Joachim Schulz, chairman of BWG, the German association of distributors, in speaking to eppi Magazine. Michael Mätzener, board member of the Swiss industry association Promoswiss, added, "we find it a very dangerous move to open up a closed show like the PSI to industry customers."