Formula for success snaps into place at PrintEx

In today’s dot.com world, it’s become de rigueur to rely on Google and the internet to find out what you need to know. In a manufacturing business like print, however, there’s no substitute for the ability to see, feel, touch and taste the possibilities at a trade exhibition like PrintEx11.

PrintEx11 will follow the formula for success set by PacPrint09 and PrintEx07 to deliver the mix of product promotion, demonstrations, education and collaboration which has paid enormous dividends to visitors in the past – with an extended reach and enhanced offering which is set to make this year’s event even more valuable.

Visitors are expected in Sydney from across Australia and as far afield as New Zealand and other nearby markets, with the vast majority likely to be owners or managers of print and related businesses who consider PrintEx a ‘must-attend’ event.

Results from PrintEx07 and PacPrint09 suggest that most of those visitors will be there to conduct serious research into new options for their business, with many armed to make purchasing decisions at the show. And it’s the perfect destination to do so.

Last PrintEx, nearly 80 per cent of visitors reported that they saw something they were likely to buy following the show with the majority of those arranging a quote or appointment during the show, with similar numbers reported after PacPrint two years ago in Melbourne.

The ability to see the majority of the industry’s leaders showcasing their latest equipment, systems and services under the one roof is what makes PrintEx so valuable to visitors and, for the first time this year, that value will be extended by the exhibition’s co-location with Visual Impact Image Expo.

The two shows, which PrintEx11 chairman Mitch Mulligan describes as ‘natural partners’, will ensure businesses can access a wide range of ideas and opportunities, making the most of their visit, while the PrintEx Forum Series will provide important educational opportunities to help businesses set their future direction.

“For some time now, we have experienced an extremely challenging economic environment,” Mulligan points out. “Coupled with the momentous events of recent weeks and months, there will be unprecedented challenges facing the printing industry – and, indeed, business across many different sectors – which must be met with sound strategy, ingenuity and determination.

“The aim of PrintEx has always been to give print service providers the opportunity to inform themselves about market trends, new technologies and services, and to help them discover ways to diversify their businesses and create new revenue streams,” he says.

Leading names line up
The primary drawcard will be the exhibition itself, with leading names on the exhibitor list including Agfa Gevaert, Aldus Engineering, Böttcher Australia, Canon, CPI, Currie Group, Cyber, Dainippon Screen, Ferrostaal Australia, Fuji Xerox Australia and Fujifilm Australia, Ferag, Ferrostaal, GBC Australia, Heidelberg Australia, iMedia Imaging Supplies, Konica Minolta, Kodak, KBA and manroland Australasia.

As well as the latest solutions in printing, there will be a range of workflow and management solutions on show from market leaders including Dainippon Screen, Esko Artwork, Hexicom Software, OneVision Software, Optimus, Price Wizard, PRISM, Quote & Print and Tharstern among others, with many promising new releases and improved offerings at the show.

The finishing sector has not been forgotten, with leading names like Müller Martini Australia, Renz Masterbind, Paper Handling Equipment, Hilton Plastic Laminating, Twin Loop Binding, MailPack and MiniPack and newcomer Finishing and Bindery (FAB) Equipment all planning to be at the show.

A number of these exhibitors have indicated their intention to show improved and upgraded products for the first time at the show, with several planning the debut of completely new offerings at PrintEx11, ensuring Australian print service providers remain at the forefront of technology.

As well as this full house of exhibitors showcasing the very latest equipment, systems, services and solutions for print and graphic communications businesses, PrintEx11 will feature the now-familiar Forum Series which this year will focus on strategies for future success – creativity, innovation and ways to bring print into the cross-media mix.

Plus, in an unprecedented move, associations and organisations from all sectors of the industry will co-operate to showcase print and demonstrate its integral – and indispensable – role in everyday life. The display will be an ideal place for print service providers to bring their clients to demonstrate the possibilities offered by print, view some of the most exciting and inspiring print in the country today, and inspire them to build more print into their marketing mix.

In short, says Mulligan, PrintEx11 will have ‘something for everyone’ and will provide an important venue for information, education and communication which will be vital not only to the success of individual businesses but of the industry as a whole.

“PrintEx11 comes at the ideal time to give our industry much needed inspiration and information to face these incredibly challenging times, and to educate, inspire and excite key target markets about the medium of print,” he says.

“The ability to reconnect these decision makers with print, together with the new technologies, business solutions, ideas and strategies which printers can find at Darling Harbour this May, could well prove the key to a successful future.”