Ipex 2014's Open Day gets thumbs-up from the print industry

Ipex 2014’s Open Day, which took place on 20 November at the exhibition’s new home at the Excel London, has been hailed by attendees as a resounding success.

28 Nov 2013 | By Supreeth Sudhakaran

Over 250 delegates, including prospective and current exhibitors, media and other key players from across the industry, were presented with a comprehensive overview of Ipex 2014 and the role the event can play in boosting their businesses. Ipex 2014 will be held from 24-29 March 2014. 

An opportunity to meet and network with fellow exhibitors and 36 of the event’s associate partners, attendees were provided with an in-depth presentation on the latest developments and features of Ipex 2014, with key insights into the World Print Summit, Future Innovations area, Inspiration Avenue, Eco Zone, Master Classes, Make-Ready Challenge and the co-located, inaugural Cross Media Production event.

After the event update from Ipex 2014 event director Trevor Crawford, attendees were provided with essential tools to ensure they maximise their exhibition return on investment (ROI). This included exhibition tips from Simon Naudi, chief executive officer, Answers Training International; information from Ipex 2014’s group marketing manager Angelina Stojsavljevic on how to benefit from Ipex’s co-marketing opportunities; and expert advice on how to generate important coverage in influential industry publications – including the Ipex Daily. An additional workshop will be run by Informa Exhibitions for exhibitors at the St Bride Foundation in London on 10 December 2013. 

Sarah Crumpler, UK marketing manager, Duplo International, commented, “The Ipex Open Day provided a great forum for networking and sharing ideas with both the Ipex team and other exhibitors. Duplo is looking forward to the event and contributing to the overall value that it presents to visitors.”

Eric Bell, director of marketing services, Goss International added, “I spoke to a number of exhibitors who indicated that next year’s event provided them with the opportunity to start looking forward instead of back. The Excel looks to be a smart move too – a well-structured, modern venue that will serve Ipex well.”

Anne de Lanoy, marketing manager of Censhare, explained why the integrated publishing solutions provider has committed to Cross Media Production. “Open Day was an ideal opportunity to see how the co-located Cross Media Production will be beneficial to a company like Censhare. The event will complement Ipex perfectly, and Censhare is looking forward to demonstrating how the creation, management and distribution of content through different channels can work on every level. It is important for the industry as a whole to be receptive to the changes that are taking place, and Cross Media Production will certainly reflect that.”

Mark Hinder, market development manager, Konica Minolta added, “The programme to support a commercial printer is very well thought through, Cross Media Production will appeal to marketers and print service providers, and for me, I hope the industry can now see how the event is adapting to the changing landscape.”

Crawford concluded the press brief by saying, “The excitement and enthusiasm in the room was palpable. It is always great to meet our customers face-to-face and to share our vision for Ipex – an event that has been developed with their interests at its heart. The feedback on what Ipex is aiming to achieve has been overwhelmingly positive, in both the direction of the event, the features, its content programme and the move to the Excel in London. The relationship between Ipex and the print industry is symbiotic, and fortunately for both, the tide is turning. We can’t wait to see it all in action.”