Informa exhibitions shapes a new IPEX for the UK in 2017

Informa has forged a partnership with Picon and the NEC, creating 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.
Bob Usher, Managing Director, Apex Digital Graphics Ltd, said: “I am delighted to have been involved in the agreement between Picon and Informa, to jointly deliver a new IPEX Show in the Autumn of 2017 and I am convinced the new format will be the blueprint for future exhibitions in our industry.”

Andy Cook, Managing Director, FFEI Ltd, added: “With the changes going on in the UK print market I believe this new IPEX format will be very welcomed by the industry especially as it’s being developed and delivered by the new working partnership between Picon and Informa. We look forward to joining the show in 2017.”