IPEX switches to three year cycle as Informa commits to show’s future

Informa has forged a partnership with Picon and the NEC as part of the company’s plans to take IPEX back to the NEC in Birmingham every three years. 

The exhibition company has also created a Joint Executive Committee to shape a new IPEX in 2017. ‘We are fully committed to IPEX and are taking a whole new fresh and collaborative approach to designing the IPEX of the future,’ said 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, the show 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,’ said 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.’

‘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,’ said Kathryn James, managing director, NEC.

Organisers of The Print Show, however, have criticised Informa Exhibitions over its decision to announce the return of IPEX the day before the inaugural edition of The Print Show, which will run from 13 to 15 October at the same venue.

The organisers revealed over the weekend that as a result of an incredible response from the industry to the debut edition of The Print Show, events will also take place in 2016 and 2017. The 2016 event will once again run at NEC from October 11 to 13 next year, while organisers have also re-confirmed that a show will take place in the Autumn of 2017. 

The day after The Print Show confirmed its own events, IPEX has announced that it will be returning with its own nationally-focused event in the Autumn of 2017. Although dates have not been confirmed, a statement from organiser Informa Exhibitions said the event would take place at the NEC.

Event director Chris Davies, said, ‘We were expecting IPEX to come back at some stage as an international event, but the fact that they have come back as a nationally-focused show will obviously confuse the market. 

‘I welcome all competition and recognise this news from IPEX as a very positive sign that the UK print market is improving in its confidence-as demonstrated by the fantastic response we have had to our 2015 event.’