Roland DG withdraws from Ipex 2014

Roland DG (UK) head of marketing Gillian Montanaro confirmed that the company would attend both Packaging Innovations shows this year, in Birmingham from 27-28 February and London from 1-2 October, as well as Sign & Digital UK from 30 April - 2 May in Birmingham, and Fespa 2013 from 25-29 June in London.

Internationally, Montanaro confirmed that Roland DG would exhibit at Print 13 in Chicago from 8-12 September.

She added that while the firm tended to plan on an annual basis, next year was likely to be "very similar" for the UK in terms of attending Sign & Digital UK and Packaging Innovations.

"We do find that a lot of commercial printers are coming to Sign & Digital UK now because they're seeking out wide-format equipment manufacturers so exhibiting at Ipex was almost duplicating a spend in a way," said Montanaro.

"Sign & Digital UK is a pivotal show for us and we are one of the largest exhibitors; however, that's not to say that we don't think Ipex is an important show or that we won't reconsider in four years time for Ipex 2018."

Ipex 2014 event director Trevor Crawford said: "The decision by Roland was been made before we had the opportunity to discuss the new, multi-channel focus of the 2014 event with them. Ipex 2014 now offers a greater opportunity than ever before for Roland DG to target the widest range of customers, and we are hoping to discuss this with them in the upcoming weeks."

Jerry Davies, managing director at Roland DG, said the firms customers wanted "more personalised, localised and immediate ways to learn and interact with the brand and its products".

"We have rolled out a number of specific initiatives over the last couple of years aimed at getting closer to each customer and understanding their individual needs," added Davies.

"Our online Roland Forum, Creative Centre, Roland Academy, Open Days, social media activities and the work we undertake with our Authorised Dealers and Partners have all been very successful and we look forward to announcing some additional exciting new initiatives over the coming months.

"It is with all this in mind that Roland DG has made the decision to withdraw from Ipex 2014 and further diversify its communication channels by focussing on the country and industry-specific needs of all its market sectors."