Informa Exhibitions shapes a new IPEX in the UK in 2017
Informa has forged a partnership with Picon and the NEC and created a Joint Executive Committee to shape a new IPEX in 2017 at the NEC in Birmingham
“We are fully committed to IPEX and are taking a whole new fresh and collaborative approach to designing the IPEX of the future,” says Peter Hall, Managing Director, Informa Exhibitions. “We recognise that several aspects of IPEX 2014 were not successful, but we have learned from these and will consult closely with the market to ensure that IPEX 2017 is a UK-focussed, industry-driven event that appeals strongly to exhibitors and visitors. IPEX is the UK print industry’s flagship event with a superb heritage. I am confident that our considerable investment in the event, alongside our partnership with Picon and the NEC, and close collaboration with the UK industry as a whole, will help make IPEX 2017 the best showcase for the latest print technology and innovation.”
Originally planned for Spring 2018, IPEX will now take place every three years and will return to the NEC in Birmingham in Autumn 2017. “There is a strong appetite from UK suppliers, manufacturers and visitors for a major event every three years which keeps pace with the speed of change in the industry, does not conflict with drupa and very much complements a variety of annual UK signage, packaging and print shows,” says Bettine Pellant, CEO, Picon. “Picon represents manufacturers and suppliers to the UK printing, papermaking and converting sectors and all will benefit from a vibrant IPEX.”
IPEX 2017 returns to the NEC in Birmingham, a venue that appeals to visitors from all over the country and is easy to reach by road, rail and air. “This innovative partnership between Informa, Picon and the NEC will deliver a show that not only meets the needs of the print industry in 2017 and beyond but also sets an agenda for the future of this sector,” says Kathryn James, Managing Director, NEC.
The IPEX 2017 Joint Executive Committee (JEC) comprises Bob Usher, Apex Digital; Andy Cook, MD FFEI Ltd; Mark Bristow, Friedheim International; Peter Hall, MD, Informa Exhibitions; Rob Fisher, IPEX Exhibition Director; Ian Taylor, Sales Director, NEC; Bettine Pellant, CEO, Picon; Tim Webb, Picon; and Jo Watkiss, Watkiss Automation. The JEC represents the interests of manufacturers and suppliers, importers and exporters and will help develop all aspects of IPEX and the exhibitor and visitor experience. The first meeting of the JEC has been held to set out the aims and ambitions for IPEX.
More details and the dates of IPEX 2017 will be announced later this year.
IPEX is the UK’s premier event for the print, publishing and media industries. Owned by Informa Exhibitions, IPEX has a long and successful heritage which dates back to 1851. Informa Exhibitions organises over 200 events annually from Brazil to China and is one of the world’s leading business intelligence, academic publishing, and knowledge and events businesses. Informa operates at the heart of the knowledge and information economy and employs over 8,000 people globally.
Picon Ltd is the leading industry trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers to the Printing, Papermaking and Paper Converting sectors. It is dedicated to providing support services and business advice to its members, a diverse range of organisations, from multi-nationals to SMEs, whose products provide solutions for all segments of the printing, papermaking and related markets. The BPMSA (British Paper Machinery Suppliers Association) is a division of Picon and these members specialise in the design and manufacture of machinery and technological processes used in the manufacture of paper and board.