Following the loss of IPEX to London after hosting the premiere trade show for decades, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in the UK is launching The Print Show to bring the printing industry back to the midlands.
After the fairly dismal turnout for IPEX at the rival Ethihad centre in London’s east end last year the organisers claim the support of all the major industry associations for the new event. The leading associations such as the BPIF, BAPC, IPIA, St Brides Foundation, PICON, ProSkills, and The Printing Charity, have all expressed support.
Whether The Print Show can succeed where IPEX failed in attracting the major manufacturers in the UK is still to be seen. A cursory review of the floor plan shows manroland, Ricoh and Presstek have their name on exhibition stands. There appears to be a long way to go before the organisers can claim success.
Due to take place from October 13th to 15th a show statement says … many major print brands having already committed to appearing at the show. This high level of support has now been given a further boost by the news that all major trade bodies from within the print industry have declared their support for the event, with several key organisations due to be in attendance at the show.
Organisers have confirmed the signing of a number of new print industry players such as OK. Andrew Hall, marketing manager at OKI, was heavily involved with the process surrounding its decision to sign up to the event and states that the show will not only help the firm get its message out to the UK market, but also help customers find the best solution for their various printing needs.
"We believe that the Print Show will attract the right level of visitor and more importantly UK-based," said Hall. "As we have a fantastic product for this market, the show will enable OKI to showcase our solutions for the print sector under one roof and attract large numbers of potential customers over the three days. This alone is one of the reasons we have chosen to exhibit.”
Reflecting on the latest developments, event director Chris Davies praises the commitment from trade bodies and exhibitors, stating that the show will provide, an effective platform to promote products, services and the benefits of print.
"If you look at the number of trade bodies that have signed up, this just goes to show exactly how much the UK needs an event like this.
"Not only do we have their blessing to launch the show, but they'll be in attendance at the NEC to help spread our message about building for a successful future in the UK print market.
"I'm also looking forward to seeing work from some of print's brightest young minds with the PrintIT! and Proskills competition. This will also fit in with our 'Blueprint for the Future' tagline and how The Print Show can help UK printers ensure success moving forward."