We're only ten weeks out now, and after a rocky run through the early parts of last year, Ipex 2014 looks to be set to go off in style this March. The print and marcomms industry is a changed and changing landscape, and for this year's Ipex the folks in London have retooled the entire event to deliver answers to the burning questions, solutions to the big issues and a profitable future for print.
For 2014 Ipex returns to London after 34 years at the National Exhibition Centre near Birmingham, running from 24-29 March at the ExCeL centre in the rejuvenated Docklands area. Rounding out a jam-packed list of events, features, exhibits and industry icons, here are five stand-out reasons to make the trip and see what all the fuss is about.
1. Latest tech on display
Visitors will be able to experience live demonstrations of some of the latest, cutting-edge technologies that are driving the regenerating printing industry. Get up close and personal with, and see the very latest from, Konica Minolta, Screen Fujifilm, EFI, Horizon, Morgana, Neopost, Xeikon, Xingraphics, Renz, Esko, Hunkeler, MGI, Optimus and many many more. Ipex is a neutral platform for printers to compare products and services from around 500 global manufacturers and suppliers. The scale and reach of exhibitors offers an up-close snapshot of the change and potential that lies ahead.
2. World Print Summit
Hosted alongside the main event, this exclusive senior-level strategic thought-leadership programme will provide attendees with access to previously unheard content from industry experts on the trends and pitfalls revolutionising the industry. Enjoy five days of free session and case studies from the likes of Frank Romano, Polestar's Barry Hibbert and Benny Landa.
3. Get in the zone
These shows are all about providing guests with a figurative road-map for the future of the industry. At Ipex 2014 you get an actual road-map. The team have broken the event down into technology and trends of its Future Innovation Zones to help printers better navigate the opportunities on offer. Browse down Inspiration Avenue where Kodak veteran and print evangelist Pat Holloway will be celebrating print's unique qualities in the collaborative and social communications mix. Go green with Komori in the Eco Zone, and discover the benefits of H-UV. Or test your metal on the Make-Ready Challenge. Check out the latest on products and tech tipped for rapid expansion over the next few years, including photo products, digital print on packaging, 3D printing and printable electronics.
4. Marketing and networking
Co-locating with Ipex this year is Cross Media Production, a sister event examining the rapid rise of digital channels and the business opportunities they present for forward-thinking printers. n essential component in making, developing and growing new business, Ipex serves as an ideal forum for printers and suppliers from around the world to meet up to share insights on the show floor, or over a pint or two in a nearby pub.
5. London, baby!
Whatever a person's tastes, London has a little something up its sleeve for everyone. Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Soho, the Tate Modern, Covent Garden or West End entertainment; fine dining, classy pubs, dingy pubs, or just spot locations from your favourite episodes of Sherlock and Doctor Who. Or that Friends one where they go to London. As this fine piece from Des King details, the world-famous 02 Arena sits waiting on the south bank for "Ipex after hours", accessible by cable-car from the ExCeL, stocked with over 20 bars and restaurants, a multiplex and even a dedicated Brit pop musuem.