Informa Exhibitions Announces Heidelberg Withdrawal from Ipex 2014

On Wednesday 15th August 2012, Informa Exhibitions was informed by Heidelberg that it will not be exhibiting at Ipex 2014.

Trevor Crawford, Event Director, comments: “We are very disappointed in Heidelberg’s decision to withdraw from Ipex 2014 – one of the industry’s major global events. Heidelberg has long been synonymous with printing and has a long association with Ipex. As organisers of a range of exhibitions around the world, we will continue to have an ongoing dialogue with them.”

This decision by Heidelberg will be addressed in detail by Informa Exhibitions and discussed with the Ipex Advisory Committee (IAC) at the next meeting, which has already been scheduled for September 20th, 2012.

David Preskett, President of Ipex 2014 and European Professional Print Director, Canon Europe, states: “Heidelberg’s decision is obviously a disappointment. However, Ipex has a rich heritage and tradition for innovation, and plans are well underway with the IAC and other industry associations to ensure that Ipex 2014 captures the rapid changes taking place in our industry as print continues to evolve as a key element in the new order marketing mix.”

Many leading industry brands have already confirmed their attendance at Ipex 2014. These include: Canon, CMC, Duplo, EFI, Epson, Fujifilm, Hans Gronhi, Horizon, Hunkeler, Impika, Kern, Kodak, Komori, Konica Minolta, Muller Martini, Pitney Bowes, Presstek, Screen, W&D, Xeikon and Xerox.

Of the top 33 key footprints throughout the show, 29 have increased their floorspace for Ipex 2014. More specifically, 16 major digital exhibitors have increased their stand space by a total of 55% collectively compared to Ipex 2010, indicating their faith in the Ipex brand, relocation to London and substantial ROI that the show delivers. Ipex 2014 has already received more significant bookings from the top 100 vendors than ever before so early in the booking cycle.

Ipex 2010 attracted visitors from 135 countries, with the split at 52% UK and 48% international visitors. We expect an increase to a 55% international, 45% national split in 2014.

Earlier this week, Ipex announced its plans to host a significant series of roadshows in the event’s key international visitor territories, with a particular focus on emerging markets. Nick Craig Waller, Marketing Director, comments: “During 2013, we will be engaging with key print groups, associations, media and exhibitors to provide them with the latest industry analysis, trends and statistics, discussions around growth opportunities, presentations of relevant case studies and the significant role of Ipex 2014. This will include insight into the changing landscape and commercialisation of the technology that will be showcased at Ipex.”

Craig Waller continues: “The Ipex 2014 team will also present an overview of services that will be offered to ensure travel and accommodation arrangements to attend the show can be made as effortlessly and cost effective as possible, including visa applications for relevant countries. We are totally committed to continue delivering an exceptional ongoing visitor experience from the moment visitors pre-register right up to their attendance on-site at Ipex 2014.”

The current list of countries on the Ipex 2014 international roadshow includes: Australia (Sydney & Melbourne), Belgium/Netherlands, Brazil (Sao Paulo), China (Beijing & Shanghai), France, Germany, India (Mumbai & New Delhi), Italy, Japan, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom (10 cities) and the USA (Chicago, Philadelphia & New York).