Most exhibitors at the Sydney Visual Impact/Image Expo reported good sales of printers as well as many other items at last week's show.
It is understood that some of the deals at the expo were pre arranged, but not all.
Attendance seemed to be down in spite of claims by VISA of an actual increase in numbers on the previous year. The opening day was very quiet and also on the Saturday with the Friday being the only day that seemed to have a normal traffic flow. Inspite of that the vibes were very positive from those that made the effort which bodes well for the wide format industry.
Some exhibitors had multiple deals going with several delivering exhibited machines to customers straight after the show.
All in all a very satisfactory expo. Most people questioned thought that our currency would stabilise at about 75 cents to the US dollar and this was supported by the eminent Michael Pascoe who spoke to a packed audience on this subject and the economy in general. Just prior to the show opening the A$ had risen to approximately 67c to the US$ and this no doubt had a positive influence on buyers.
The loud announcements that kept coming over the tannoy system and interrupted so many conversations and irritated those who were trying to converse and do deals was almost omnipresent. One would have that thought that VISA would have learnt from previous shows that this had to be corrected and only served to alienate the show from exhibitors and delegates alike.
It is understood that announcements have to be made about seminars and housekeeping issues, but surely not at the volume and the duration that was permitted. A compromise has to be found to this problem. There are many other local shows that can set the example on how this can be handled.
Congratulations to Michael Punch and David Hay and their ASGA team for another great awards evening. Congratulations also to all the category winners. More about that later in the week when we will publish a list of the winners.
Congratulations also to Roland DG on their 20th anniversary bash. It was a great evening for all who attended. It took place on one of Sydney's poshest showboats with dignatories from Roland DG in Japan and from other parts of the world flying in for the event.
Most, if not all new equipment had been announced prior to the show, however it was no doubt a first for many of the delegates to touch, feel and have demonstrated the kit that was on display.
More feedback from the show and the exhibitors as it comes in.
A small photo collection from the show below and apologies to those exhibitors who we have left out.
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Agfa sold both :Anapurnas that were on display improving all the time on their extensive installed base of UV machines in our region. |
The Kornit textile printer was printing T-Shirts and hats and proved a very popular attraction for Anitech. |
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ADI Display showed off their new Banner Ad textile printer for the first time and reported it sold. |
Celmac, always busy at these shows did some nice deals with their Roland machines |
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DGS Mimaki showed the CJV30 and UJV-160 for the first time at the show as well as many other products from their huge range. |
Photo Electronic Services sold the huge Rho 700 Presto bringing their installed base up to an impressive 18 machines in the ANZ region. |
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Esko Artwork had a lot of interest in their leading edge cutting tables |
Halifax Vogel and Alucobond, ubiquitous at the VIIE shows impressed all with their product range as well as their stand. |
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IDS Displays had an excellent show, especially with the new internet based I-Sign product. |
Industry giant Fujifilm Sericol with their popular Spyder range and Mutoh products. |
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Océ sold all printers on their stand including the first new ColorWave printer that uses Pearl technology. |
CEO of Starleaton, Peter Eaton and daughter Mel treated all to an ice cream (Gelatino) to celebrate the company's 30th anniversary. They also had a good show with their Alcan and Neschen range. |
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The Positive Camtec package of the Teckstorm and Tekcel router was sold at the show. The company was very busy with many other orders taken. |
Roland DG was one of the busiest stands with new printers being demonstrated throughout the three days and many new products being sold through their dealerships. |
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The Sun Evolution from Advanced Sign Supplies attracted large crowds during the 200mm thick printing demonstrations. All machines were sold at the show. |
PDI's Subtex textile printer range was churning out many metres of printed textile during the show with this one being sold at the show. |
