With over 1 000 exhibitors from 40 countries representing all aspects of the graphic arts process including pre-press, press manufacture, post-press, converting and consumables, the show truly reflected a vibrant global industry. Forty per cent of the exhibitors at IPEX 2010 came from overseas and almost a third were new to the show. Notably, more than 65 companies from China exhibited at IPEX, an increase of 110 per cent compared to 2006.
The largest overseas visitor groups came from France, Germany and the Netherlands. Increases in attendance levels came from Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania as well as China and the Middle Eastern and African regions. Exhibitors reported record levels of business, achieving or even exceeding sales targets, with a significant number of orders signed during the first half of the show. They were equally enthusiastic about the turnout at product demonstrations, the number of serious business discussions, as well as the strong attendance from senior personnel from both overseas and UK companies.
Trevor Crawford, IPEX 2010 event director said: “The industry has shown enormous resilience despite the on going global economic challenges. Encouraging pre-registration figures in excess of 75 000, combined with the strong international attendance throughout the first half of IPEX, reiterates the importance of the IPEX brand within the global exhibition calendar. Anecdotally, we are hearing from exhibitors that for the first time, printers brought a number of their customers to the show, signalling its growing importance to the marketing audience.”
George Clarke, IPEX 2010 president and Heidelberg UK MD, added: “We were excited by the great international turnout, which wasn’t affected by the Icelandic ash. IPEX retained its fantastic buzz and vibrancy. Exhibitors worked hard to impress, visitors were well prepared and also there were many orders signed.”
Crawford concluded, “IPEX came at a fortunate time in the economic and investment cycle and it will be remembered as the Recovery Show, the most important IPEX ever for our industry.”
Other Show Review items- Paper Tigers Hear Them Roar
Sappi punts paper as eco-friendly option
Pros and Cons of In-Line vs Near-Line
Kemtek wins top Screen Accolade
Gsw’s green stand wins award at Sign Africa
