Ipex and Drupa take place every four years and May 2010 marks Ipex's turn to stage their event again in Birmingham, UK.
Drupa and Ipex are the big two in the world of graphic arts shows with Drupa being the undisputed leader but Ipex bragging that it is the world's biggest 'English Language' trade show.
Intending visitors to Ipex should book their accomodation as early as possibly in order to be in comfortable travelling distance to the show.
For the first time visitor, the show caters mainly for the traditional commercial print and packaging market however digital inkjet printing and the wide format sector will be ubiquitous due to the staggering growth of these sectors compared to the other traditional sectors.
The organisers are claiming that over 55,000m2 of exhibitor floorspace has been confirmed and visitor pre-registration are fast reaching 6,000.
All major suppliers have agreed location of their stands and some exhibitors have even increased the size of their stands. In particular, Konica Minolta has increased its footprint by 400%; Océ by 110%; Canon by 91%; Pitney Bowes by 64%; Fuji by 53%; HP by 40% and Ultrachem by 16%.
Over half (55%) of the exhibitors will come from overseas, notably from Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, France, India, USA and China. The show will also see a significant number of first-time exhibitors; over a quarter of companies have never participated at the event thus reflecting the status of Ipex as an international launch pad to the graphic arts industry. For example, printing solutions provider Ricoh will be a prime stand holder for the first time, occupying an impressive 1,400sqm stand.
40% of floorspace will be dedicated to pre-press and digital solutions suppliers, whilst press manufacturers and post-press companies will occupy 34% and 26% of the exhibition respectively.
Trevor Crawford, Ipex 2010 Event Director, says: “We’re absolutely delighted with the number of companies we’ve secured so far. Economic times may be uncertain but the global print industry is once again demonstrating its commitment to Ipex. This truly international event will feature around 1,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries representing all aspects of the graphic arts process including pre-press, press manufacture, post-press, converting and consumables, truly reflecting our vibrant industry.
“Ipex has ongoing partnerships with the industry’s supplier base and a proven capability to deliver a unique community of printers and publishers drawn from all across the world. Visitors can expect to see major technology advances and signposts to future developments with exhibiting companies committed to demonstrating working machinery on the showfloor.”
The wave of pre-registrations received also signposts towards a successful Ipex 2010. Compared to the same point in the run-up to Ipex 2006, this number has risen by over 1,045% for the 2010 show. Visitors from over 100 countries have pre-registered to date, with 75% from Europe, 12% from Asia, and 10% from Middle East and Africa.
Pre-registration for all those wishing to attend Ipex 2010 is now available via www.ipex.org/register and will result in a £30 saving off the entrance fee, access to exclusive pre-show news and highlights as well as free fast-track entry to the show.
Wide Format Online will be bringing you relevant show updates as we get closer to the opeining date.
Ipex 2010
www.ipex.org
