Today, the Informa Exhibitions Print Group officially launches the next international Ipex exhibition which will take place from 26th March to 2nd April 2014 at London’s ExCeL international exhibition and conference centre http://www.excel-london.co.uk

Visitors to drupa will be the first to witness the new Ipex 2014 branding featuring a distinct compass to highlight and help navigate printers’ journey through the ever-changing and evolving graphic arts and communications landscape. 

Explaining the rationale behind the imagery used, Nick Craig Waller, Ipex 2014 Marketing Director says: “The quickening pace of innovation throughout the complete print production cycle means that printers across the globe are under increasing pressure to offer services that go beyond clients’ printing needs. Looking ahead to 2014, our role is to guide printers through this journey by bringing together a unique community of suppliers, printers, publishers, marketers and communications professionals from across the world at Ipex.”

“The central theme of our branding is ‘discovering’ and ‘exploring’ and the role print has to play in the marketing mix,” he explains. “Ipex has always had a reputation for being at the forefront of innovation and reflecting the future direction of the industry. Ipex 2014 will be no different.”

Ipex 2014 – A New Chapter
Ipex’s move to London’s premier exhibition venue ExCeL has been greeted enthusiastically by leading industry suppliers. Over 50% of floor space has already been filled with more than 100 exhibitors firmly allocated on the exhibition floor plan.  Major suppliers already confirmed include Canon Europe / Océ, Duplo, Friedheim/Hunkeler, Fujifilm, Hans Grohni/Printers Superstore, Heidelberg, Konica Minolta, Morgana, Muller Martini, Pitney Bowes and Xeikon.

Continues Nick Craig Waller: “The re-location to London also marks the beginning of a new chapter in the evolution of Ipex, bringing a wealth of new opportunities in the expansion and development of the event going forward. Our move to London has already prompted international exhibitors to take part on a grander scale than ever before. In turn, this will create a more compelling event for visitors with more product launches, innovative, educational content and chances to see the future of our industry in action.”

Strong Industry Support
Many international suppliers are openly supporting Ipex’s plans for 2014. David Preskett, President of Ipex 2014, Chairman of the IAC (Ipex Advisory Committee) and European Professional Print Director, Canon Europe, says that “Relocating to London will give Ipex the backdrop and foundation to further expand its International appeal.  Ipex is a forward-thinking event that is determined to raise the bar to reflect our changing industry and communications media landscape.”

Says Gerard Heanue, Managing Director of Heidelberg UK:  “The scale of our commitment to Ipex 2014 is testimony to our wholehearted support for the exhibition’s relocation to London - a global venue for a truly international event.  The timing of the decision, which comes significantly earlier than for previous Ipex editions, is further evidence of our excitement and enthusiasm.”

For Muller Martini, Ipex as a leading industry technology show has always been of great importance in the international exhibition calendar. “Informa’s initiative to move the next event to London’s ExCeL centre opens up interesting new aspects for visitors and exhibitors alike.  Our rapidly developing industry will have progressed by another few notches by the time we meet in London. On the background of constant change, we are certain that Ipex 2014 will turn out to be an extremely worthwhile event,” says Andreas Schillinger, Managing Director.

Technifold’s Managing Director, Graham Harris, is equally enthusiastic: “Just as trends in print and finishing technology change, why shouldn’t it be the same for exhibition locations? Just as famous theatre productions move to new venues then so should a proven model like Ipex; it will be refreshing to travel to ExCel in 2014.”

Optimus too sees new opportunities with the move to London. Says Nicola Bisset, Group Managing Director: “After a fantastic Ipex 2010, Optimus was one of the first software solution companies to rebook for Ipex 2014. With the new London location we are looking forward to connecting with existing customers as well as benefiting from an increase in international visitors that we are sure the new location will bring.”

Friedheim International, a long-standing supporter of Ipex, has also already committed to Ipex 2014. “Ipex provides an opportunity for new innovation and is widely regarded as a ‘buying show,” says Mark Bristow, the company’s Managing Director.

DPM’s Sales Director, Dean Beckett, is also delighted to confirm the company’s participation at Ipex 2014. He says: “We’re excited to once again experience new opportunities provided by the vast array of overseas and UK visitors that will no doubt be attending the show again in 2014.”

Iain Bullock, Managing Director, Renz UK, says that “the company is excited about the move to such a modern exhibitor and visitor friendly venue which will rejuvenate Ipex for exhibitors and visitors alike.

Equally positive is Ian Melville, Managing Director, Intec Printing Solutions: “The move from the NEC in Birmingham to London’s ExCeL is positive particularly for our international partners.”

Ronald Van Hees, Director of Marketing, Pitney Bowes says: “We had no hesitation in committing to Ipex 2014 and recognise the show's influence amongst our key audience.”

On behalf of the Dutch Graphic Trade BV, supplier of used Bobst equipment and other carton converting technology, Monique van der Schoot, Managing Partner, comments: “We’re hoping that Ipex’s new location in London will prove just as successful for us as our previous three Ipex trade fairs have been.”