XPO pulls the plug on Printech

Kiwi outrage over postponing of this year’s print tradeshow, Printech.

The New Zealand tradeshow, held every four years, was originally scheduled to run from 27 to 29 June this year but has been postponed by new organisers, XPO, until 2012 due to a lack of support from both sponsors and the industry.

According to Joan Grace, chief executive of PrintNZ, there were signs that the show’s future looked shaky for some time. “We had advised [previous organisers] dmg in the middle of 2009 that there were many members who did not support the show although there were a small number who would have liked the chance to exhibit in a NZ show. We are aware that XPO was not able to get the commitments needed to go ahead with a show this year,” she said.

“Given this uncertainty and the recent recession it seems prudent for XPO to cancel the show for 2010.”

In its News From the Field newsletter to members, PrintNZ explained the situation further: “After extensive market research and industry consultation with key suppliers to the printing industry as to 'what it is that they really want', it has become evident that XPO simply needs more time to deliver on the 'new promise'. Several large key suppliers have committed their support to a 2012 event in writing. Therefore, XPO has postponed Printech until 2012 (month to be confirmed).”

Already, one industry advocate, Kevin Trye (pictured) of Printnet, is irate at the news and has been busy blogging his discontent: “There's a far bigger issue at stake here. It's not just about what happened in the past, or even seeing some fancy new gear. It concerns how our industry is being marketed into the future. It directly affects our industry sales volumes, profile and reputation.”

Grace is also aware that the new show could pose some challenges. “2012 is a drupa year and this may cause some difficulties but it is early days in terms of the discussions with all concerned,” she said.

“The change of shape of the show signalled by XPO and the possibility of linking it to broader industry activities including promoting the positive benefits of print need further discussion.”