Ipex 2014's content programme promises to energise print and media enterprises

Ipex 2014 (24-29 March, ExCeL London) is the first international print event to combine an exhibition with a comprehensive content programme. Strategically developed to respond to the fast-evolving marketing communications landscape, Ipex is the definitive information source for the latest trends, challenges and technologies driving the global print industry. Underpinned by a robust and pertinent content programme, Ipex is more than just an exhibition; it is an event that addresses every level and component of a print company, taking visitors on an inspiring journey that will galvanise their businesses.

While the wealth of latest technologies being showcased by international exhibitors will demonstrate how to create quality and innovative print applications, the content programme will show how to use them effectively in the 21st century. Whether it's understanding the trends and pitfalls that are shaping the industry, discovering new technologies and applications, developing robust business practices or honing operational skills and techniques, visitors from all corners of the print industry will find a takeaway idea, skill, solution or mind-set that will boost the performance of their company - for free.

A multi-faceted content programme
The World Print Summit, a senior-level strategic thought leadership programme, will deliver a world-class line-up of speakers from the print, business, marketing and creative industries. An invaluable opportunity for business owners and managers, this forum will give them exclusive access to previously unheard content that will deliver the leading insights into the evolving role and power of print. Ruth Clougherty, Content Producer, Ipex 2014's World Print Summit, explains: "These are speakers who have entered markets where others have dared not tread, invested in new technologies that others have shied away from, and been brave enough to create a culture of exploration, failure and innovation to be a success."

Sessions include 'How To Future-Proof Print in a Digital Age', chaired by Barry Hibbert, Chief Executive of Polestar Group; 'Print: Doomed or on the Verge of a Digital Renaissance', chaired by Professor Emeritus Frank Romano, RIT and featuring Benny Landa on the panel; 'Sustainability - So What? An Audience with Publishers and Printers', chaired by Neil Everett, Partner of Carnstone - PRELIMS Publishing Group and featuring Meredith Walsh, Senior Purchasing Controller, Penguin Random House, on the panel; 'A Culture Shift Within The Print Industry', chaired by David Smith, the Economics Editor of The Sunday Times, 'The Evolving Role of Print for Consumer Marketing - Changing Attitudes to Print', with Rory Sutherland, Executive Creative Director and Vice-Chairman, OgilvyOne London and Ogilvy & Mather UK, and many more important debates with a selection of the industry's most respected forward thinkers. The programme will also look at the printed products and technologies that are set for rapid expansion over the next few years across four sections - covering 3D printing, printed electronics, digital printing on packaging and photo products.

Meanwhile the Master Classes - organised by Print Future's Neil Falconer - will focus on business growth and production efficiency for SME printers. Aimed at the owner of a print business and his sales and production teams, these practical sessions will tackle real life, day-to-day issues and look at how best to solve them to streamline production and support business growth. Neil Falconer comments: "There are a fantastic range of new print-related applications and market opportunities to take advantage of, but first and foremost you have to get the basics right. These Master Classes will help printers to do that."

There is an eclectic assortment of engaging topics within the Master Classes, including the 'Evolution of a commercial printer', 'Five cost saving tips for better margins', 'New age of Print - strategic marketing, creative and great design', 'Changing sales and marketing habits to sell more print', 'Attracting and retaining the right staff to grow a print business', 'Where printers go wrong with colour management' and a host more.

Meanwhile visitors will be drawn to Inspiration Avenue, a gallery celebrating powerful print opportunities and impact statements that demonstrate the crucial role of print and its versatility across a number of major themes from around the world, including retail, interactive, automotive, sports, education, design and creative, and electronics. There is also the Eco Zone - sponsored by Komori - which will educate visitors on the ecological and business-related advantages of reducing their environmental impact.

For print service providers looking for the tools and know-how to evolve into a full marketing service provider, the inaugural and co-located Cross Media Production's three theatres - covering brand management, 121 data, digital and data marketing, and publishing - will focus on how to effectively implement communication strategies across multiple platforms. "This event will demonstrate and help the print and marketing communications community better understand how to put the theory behind cross media strategies into practice," explains Andrew Thornhill, Marketing Manager, Cross Media Production 2014 (25-27 March 2014).

The Cross Media Production seminar programme features presentations, case studies and panel discussions on such topics as 'Expanding Marketing Services to Deliver Cross-Channel Campaigns', 'Developing Transformation Strategies from Print to Cross Media', 'Increasing ROI Using Customer Insight Programs & Web2Media Platforms' and 'Managing Operational & Structural Change in Organisations'. Speakers including Mark Welland from News UK, James Kayes from Ogilvy Redworks, Stuart Corke from the Evening Standard, Jonathan Clayton Jones from Kaldor, Trish Kill from Trish Kill Consulting, Olga Budimir, Managing Director of Dubsat in Europe and the UK, and other experts from the publishing, brand management and marketing sectors.

There is also opportunity for commercial printers to make investigatory steps into the growing wide format market via the Wide Format Zone, with a range of devices and ancillary services being showcased by Epson, Screen, D&K and M Partners, among others.

Ipex has also put an emphasis on the importance of injecting young blood into the industry. Designed specifically for students from secondary schools, colleges and universities, an exciting 'Youth in Print' programme will run on the last day (Saturday 29th March) - in the World Print Summit - that features presentations on the power of print from past students of the industry, a tour of Ipex, practical workshops and career advice for students.

These sessions will promote the versatility of print and its role within the modern day multi-channel marketing mix and will be run by print gurus, including John Charnock from Print International Research, documobi founder Peter Lancaster and Talking Print Co-Founder, David Hyams. In addition, prodigal students that have already made their mark on the print and media industry, such as Robin Harrison from t-shirt screen printing company OurKid Apparel, Sarah McLeod, designer behind luxury scarf label NANUKK, and Alex Pink, CEO of Eat Cake Media, will give insights into their fledging careers.

Capital Gains
All this takes place under one roof at Ipex's new home at the ExCeL London, where visitors and exhibitors will be able to immerse themselves within a state of the art venue in one of the greatest business capitals in the world, as well as embracing London's iconic culture and world famous nightlife - making Ipex much more than just a vital business trip.

Start Planning Now
To begin their Ipex journey, visitors can pre-register for free via www.ipex.org, and are encouraged to keep up-to-date with the Ipex content programme via the website to enable them to plan their schedule, arrange travel and accomodation and make the most of their time at the event.