One of the challenges was the incompatibility of the brand's image and message with the company's current personality. This required a distinct strategy and design. The company brand has not been up to date, like many traditional and large enterprises, despite significant changes since 1950. This is a challenge faced by many companies founded before the digital age. As a matter of fact, there has been a lot of tradition and heritage since 1950, which is admirable yet unpredictable. Additionally, a forward-thinking company must create a modern image to operate today and in the future.
In the 360° brand audit, more than 50 factors in 3 phases, Brand Strategy, Design and Communications such as brand name, message and claim, brand mission, brand vision, brand values, brand architecture, Logo, colors, corporate design, typography, imagery, visual language, website, social media channels, E-mails, company presentations, catalogues and brochures, exhibitions, campaigns were reviewed and revised.
After three months of deep research and analyzing more than 100 international trade fair and event companies in Germany and worldwide we found about 30 companies that use the word Messe+Event in their subclaims, title or slogan. More than twenty companies also use black and white as corporate colors.
On the other hand, Holtmann has been developing since it was founded in 1950. Holtmann had several sister companies, including Expomondo, Mesomondo and others. Each had a separate field of activity but was related to its mother company. It was a challenge to balance a 70-year-old business reputation, as well as today's market requirements. Companies created over the years, each playing a separate instrument, compounded this challenge.
The need for a house shake was fundamental! The challenge is how can creating an integrated brand strategy, attractive brand design and modern visual language and brand communication for Holtmann and its sister companies, whichrepresent the credibility of a 70-year-old company, be sustainable both today and for the next 70 years?
As Holtmann Design and Brand Consultant, along with rebranding and brand identity transformation, the definition of a distinct image and strategy for Holtmann and Holtmann Group Companies was a priority on the agenda.