Make or break PacPrint09

Graphics arts suppliers open for business at Australia's largest print trade show in expectation that the production industry will turn up in force.

At a time when most sectors are under strain, the considerable expense incurred in presenting at the show is seen by many as a necessary, if painful, expense. Andy Vels Jensen, managing director of Heidelberg Australia New Zealand estimates that four-and-a-half days of showtime in Melbourne are costing his company $42,000 an hour.

When the show opened this morning, anxious suppliers were counting the numbers of punters as an indication as to whether the show would work or not.  Early signs seem to suggest an initital surge of interested production people.

All the suppliers that Print 21 has talked with so far have been optimistic and up-beat, but only time will tell whether this hope translates into the sales they anticipate.

Martin Pakula, (pictured above) Victorian minister for Industry and Trade and Industrial Relations, officially opened the show in conjunction with PacPrint chairman, Alastair Hadley, and the head of PacPrint's two co-host organisations, Karen Goldsmith, excutive director of GAMAA and Phillip Andersen, CEO of Printing Industries.

"PacPrint is the premier event for this eciting and technologically advanced industry," said Minister Pakula. "We are delighted to once again be hosting the event here in Melbourne."

20,000 visitors are expected to attend PacPrint09.