IPEX 2006 Sales Boost - Major Names Signed

The new tide of optimism in the print and graphic arts industry was reflected in the number of early exhibitor signings for Ipex 2006 during Drupa according to the UK show's organisers.

The new tide of optimism in the print and graphic arts industry was reflected in the number of early exhibitor signings for Ipex 2006 during Drupa according to the UK show's organisers.

IIR Exhibtions said sales levels have outstripped those at the same point during the 2000 campaign, as 135 companies committed to take 33,000 square metres of space - 46% of the total target area.

Ipex 2006 signings include AB Dick, Heidelberg, Komori, Xerox, KBA, Morgana, PrintCity, Sakurai, Hewlett Packard and Muller Martini.

The event's international appeal has been confirmed by the steady flow of bookings received from non-UK businesses, which account for 43% of the space sold, according to IIR.

The 18 countries represented so far have brought new exhibitors to Ipex, many of which are from China, Taiwan and India.

Commenting on those record levels, exhibition director Trevor Crawford said: "We're beginning to see a revival of confidence in the industry boosted by growth from the emerging territories in Asia.

This has kick-started our sales campaign and led to record levels of early signings.

In the past, many of the larger players have been reluctant to confirm plans until a much later stage due to nervousness about the market but our progress so far for Ipex 2006 is testament to the fact that the print industry is on the up." George Clarke, managing director of Heidelberg UK echoed those sentiments: "With innovations and premieres across Heidelberg's wide portfolio only an exhibition on this scale provides an adequate platform to get across to printers the investment opportunities developed to make them profitable.

By Ipex 2006 the growth in the global economy will be accelerating, ensuring it cements its position as an indispensable shop window for graphic arts." Rainer Kuhn, managing director of PrintCity, said: "PrintCity once again proved to be the right place to be for our members and associates at Drupa.

And the overwhelming success and positive feedback from the participants was a key reason why we have already signed up for Hall 1 at Ipex 2006.

Obviously Ipex 2006 will be another great opportunity to exhibit PrintCity's achievements." Philip Dunn, head of marketing for Komori UK, thinks that international exhibitions provide an opportunity to reach people outside the usual business spectrum.

He said: "One of the major benefits of a large printing exhibition is that its critical mass attracts a significant level of visitors from parts of the industry that may not normally come into contact with your products.

As we are constantly developing new products and enhancing current lines, international trade shows provide us with a valuable opportunity to demonstrate equipment to existing and potential customers, but also to obtain their feedback on what they want to see being developed in the future." The 2006 event will run from April 4-11 at the NEC in Birmingham (UK).

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