Heidelberg withdraws from Ipex 2014

Earlier this week, Heidelberg informed Ipex 2014's organiser, Informa Exhibitions, that it will not be exhibiting at the next Ipex event.

On the news, Trevor Crawford, Ipex 2014's event director, comments, “We are very disappointed in Heidelberg’s decision to withdraw from Ipex 2014 â€" one of the industry’s major global events. Heidelberg has long been synonymous with printing and has a long association with Ipex. As organisers of a range of exhibitions around the world, we will continue to have an ongoing dialogue with them.”

This decision by Heidelberg will be addressed in detail by Informa Exhibitions and discussed with the Ipex Advisory Committee (IAC) at the next meeting, which has already been scheduled for September 20th, 2012.

David Preskett, President of Ipex 2014 and European professional print director at Canon Europe, states, “Heidelberg’s decision is obviously a disappointment. However, Ipex has a rich heritage and tradition for innovation, and plans are well underway with the IAC and other industry associations to ensure that Ipex 2014 captures the rapid changes taking place in our industry as print continues to evolve as a key element in the new order marketing mix.”

Many leading industry brands have already confirmed their attendance at Ipex 2014 including Canon, CMC, Duplo, EFI, Epson, Fujifilm, Hans Gronhi, Horizon, Hunkeler, Impika, Kern, Kodak, Komori, Konica Minolta, Muller Martini, Presstek, Screen, W&D, Xeikon and Xerox.

Of the top 33 key footprints throughout the show, 29 have increased their floorspace for Ipex 2014. More specifically, 16 major digital exhibitors have increased their stand space by a total of 55% collectively compared to Ipex 2010, indicating their faith in the Ipex brand, relocation to London and substantial ROI that the show delivers. Ipex 2014 has already received more significant bookings from the top 100 vendors than ever before so early in the booking cycle.

Ipex 2010 attracted visitors from 135 countries, with the split at 52% UK and 48% international visitors. We expect an increase to a 55% international, 45% national split in 2014.

Earlier this week, Ipex announced its plans to host a significant series of roadshows in the event’s key international visitor territories, with a particular focus on emerging markets. Nick Craig Waller, marketing director, comments, “During 2013, we will be engaging with key print groups, associations, media and exhibitors to provide them with the latest industry analysis, trends and statistics, discussions around growth opportunities, presentations of relevant case studies and the significant role of Ipex 2014. This will include insight into the changing landscape and commercialisation of the technology that will be showcased at Ipex.”

He continues, “The Ipex 2014 team will also present an overview of services that will be offered to ensure travel and accommodation arrangements to attend the show can be made as effortlessly and cost effective as possible, including visa applications for relevant countries. We are totally committed to continue delivering an exceptional ongoing visitor experience from the moment visitors pre-register right up to their attendance on-site at Ipex 2014.”

The current list of countries on the Ipex 2014 international roadshow includes Australia (Sydney & Melbourne), Belgium/Netherlands, Brazil (Sao Paulo), China (Beijing & Shanghai), France, Germany, India (Mumbai & New Delhi), Italy, Japan, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom (10 cities) and the USA (Chicago, Philadelphia & New York).

Since Ipex World was launched at Ipex 2010, Ipex has continued to build its relationship with its global visitor base. It has quickly developed to become the biggest online supplier directory worldwide with 15,000 unique users per month. In total, the website has generated over 285,000 users since launch. Informa Exhibitions will continue to converse with this community on a weekly basis for Ipex 2014.

Trevor Crawford concludes, “With Ipex moving to London in 2014, we see an unrivalled opportunity to promote the applications on show to marketers, brand owners and creatives. By integrating our Cross Media event into Ipex 2014, it will provide a wider range of visitors than ever before. The nearly 400,000 people working in London’s creative industry, all contribute to make it the Capital’s second largest sector with €32 billion per year, generating 16% of the city’s gross value. At Ipex 2014, Ipex plans to showcase the very best in print and where print sits in the contemporary marketing mix.”

Ipex 2014 will also benefit from the Olympic legacy with its unprecedented investment in the City, including new hotels, improved transport infrastructure and stunning new after-hours social venues. And, whilst Ipex can’t replicate the excitement of the Olympics, exhibitors are already talking about plans for major product launches at Ipex 2014. Leading industry commentator, Frank Romano, said “Ipex 2014 is really important for the industry, as that is when new technologies and equipment becomes commercially available.”

Ipex 2014 will take place at London’s ExCeL International Exhibition and Conference centre (www.excel-london.co.uk) from 26th March to 2nd April 2014. The new Ipex 2014 link is now live at www.ipex.org/2014.