Keeping the future in focus – Trevor Crawford

In an exclusive column for Print21, Trevor Crawford, event director of Ipex explains why this is one trip printers across the globe can’t afford not to make.

Despite of the challenging times we have been experiencing, we remain confident that Ipex 2010 could be just at the critical point in the economic cycle. Strangleholds such as cut-backs in lending are beginning to ease and with around 1,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries representing all aspects of the printing industry, and strong indications of a healthy attendance, the signs are that, exhibitors and visitors alike are firmly future-focused and out to maximise rather then minimise their presence in Birmingham.

Important exhibitions are a cost-effective way to discover major technological advances and developments that will shape the future of the industry. To meet your customers’ demand and perform well in the short to medium-term, each business needs its own unique mix of technological solutions that will help it achieve its goals and implement its strategy. Ipex offers the perfect opportunity to investigate and compare, review and analyse so that you know what might work for your business - or your competitors. It is about finding out how to safeguard your future.

At Ipex 2010, 37 per cent, 30 per cent and 33 per cent of floor space will be dedicated to pre-press and digital solution providers, press manufacturers and post-press companies respectively, so software, hardware and consumables covering the entire graphic art production process will be on show. The international profile of the exhibiting companies also means that you will be able to source suppliers from across the globe.

Our market will be quite different in a few years time, so if you want to keep abreast of technology that help you seize future opportunities, go to www.ipex.org/register, where you can pre- register for the show. Print technology is always on the move, but Ipex 2010 will remain the place to see it happen.