PrintNZ prefers Pacprint over Printech

When it comes to tradeshows, PrintNZ believe it is more valuable for its members to make the journey to Australia.

Weak crowds at Printech in both 2002 and 2006 left PrintNZ wondering what future such shows had in the country. Following a meeting, members decided that travelling to Australia was a better option according to Joan Grace, chief executive of PrintNZ.

"Most of those who attended the meeting did not wish to see another Printech show in New Zealand due to low numbers who attended the 2002 and 2006 events, the high cost of participating and the close proximity to the Australian shows four our NZ printers," she explained.

In 2007 and early this year, PrintNZ made the decision not to support Printech in 2010. Instead, the group will become actively involved in next year's Pacprint.

"PrintNZ sees Pacprint as a truly trans-Tasman event and the must-see exhibition for New Zealand printing companies to attend next year," Grace said. "In particular this provides an opportunity for those that were unable to attend drupa to view many of the products released there."

Grace said that 900 New Zealanders visited Pacprint in 2005. She hopes that with a stronger promotional effort, numbers to next year's Pacprint will be even higher.