Ipex sales beat expectations

While informa said it couldn’t reveal visitor numbers until the data had been analysed, event director Trevor Crawford said that he was happy with the early indicators.

“For the size of the show and the anecdotal feedback, I’m thrilled that everyone exhibiting at the new format Ipexhas had their expectations exceeded,” he said.

“Visitor engagement with the content programme has been one of my personal highlights,” he added.

According to Intec head of PR and marketing Terri Winstanley, the show has been a success in terms of meeting new and prospective international partners and also the digital printer manufacturer securing significant sales volumes, including one six-figure deal. “The show has been amazing for us – it’s totally exceeded our expectations,” she added.

This was echoed by Duplo UK managing director Peter Jolly, whose firm secured more than £1m worth of business in the first four days of the show, which included a £450,000 deal with Precision Printing on Thursday.

“From a firm that six months ago wasn’t going to be at Ipex, the show’s been a great story for us,” he said.

Mark Hinder, market development manager of the largest exhibitor Konica Minolta said that show had reflected the growing confidence in the sector and that he was particularly impressed by the number of international visitors.

“Our commitment has been unwavering and we have absolutely done the right thing to stay with the show.

“We have sold a lot of presses. We have a prospect list for the KM-1 that is immense and includes people from India, Russia and the US.”

Meanwhile, Graham Harris, managing director of UK-based auxiliary finishing equipment manufacturer Tech-ni-fold, declared Ipex 2014 as its “best ever”, having made six sales of its Tri Creaser retro-fit creasing system and secured 21 on-site demos.