Ipex 2010 - Print is Back in Business
BIRMINGHAM, UK - May 18 to 25, 2010 . Professor Frank Romano, international analyst and Ipex ‘Champion in Print’ best summed up the mood of exhibitors and visitors when he declared that “Ipex 2010 has demonstrated that the printing industry is back in business”.
With one day of Ipex 2010 to go visitor attendance stood at just under 50,000 from 135 countries, excluding over 20,000 exhibitor, agents, dealers, distributor, OEM’s and 500 international media personnel. Most significantly, the international ratio has increased by 8% compared to 2006, with the overall visitor attendance representing 48%. This makes Ipex more international than any other business to business event in the UK.
The largest overseas visitor groups came from France, Germany, Netherlands with a 4% overall increase from Western Europe. Notable increases in attendance levels came from Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa as well as China and India. Exhibitors commented on the high level of personnel seniority from both overseas and UK companies. 77% of attendees were senior managers, company directors and owner/managers.
Trevor Crawford, Ipex 2010 event director, comments: “We’re delighted with the visitor numbers which are roughly in line with 2006, despite considerable industry consolidation. The notable increase in international visitors underlines the importance of Ipex to the printing industry. A far-reaching integrated marketing campaign, including successful international roadshows and a comprehensive co-marketing programme, came together to deliver an international decision- making and buying audience.”
With over 1,000 exhibiting companies from 40 countries, Ipex 2010 provided a spectacular showcase of the best in printing equipment, workflow and consumables. Continues Trevor Crawford: “Here at Ipex 2010, the industry’s leading suppliers certainly inspired visitors with exciting new technology, but we believe Ipex 2010 will be remembered, first and foremost, as the moment when printers showed renewed confidence and moved to invest in the future of their business.”
Record levels of business
Exhibitors reported record levels of business, with tens of millions of pounds worth of deals closed at the show, for both digital and offset technologies.
Nick Craig Waller, Ipex 2010 Marketing Director says: “Two phrases spearheaded our global campaign for Ipex 2010: Perfect Time, Perfect Place, One Unique Opportunity and Marketing Print’s Potential. Both have resonated extremely well with visitors and exhibitors. Feedback confirms that Ipex has played a key role in re-igniting the global industry and provided the catalyst the market was seeking. While we’ve set our own targets, ultimately, we judge the show on the business results our exhibitors have achieved. By that measure, Ipex has been a tremendous success.”
Over a third of the exhibitor base had never participated in the event, demonstrating how Ipex continues to evolve and attract new companies and reflecting the status of Ipex as an international launch pad to the graphic arts industry.
Issued on behalf of IIR Exhibitions by AD Communications.
