April 22, 2002 -- With one day of IPEX 2002 to go, the industry is reporting renewed confidence throughout all sectors as the exhibition once again proves itself to be an event where serious visitors come to do serious business. Picon and IIR Exhibitions have received widespread reports from exhibitors at the National Exhibition Centre that IPEX 2002 has matched or exceeded their expectations. Recognised as international industry barometers, Heidelberg has reported that the company has been signing an order every 6.6 minutes and Agfa exceeded its sales targets of over £20m. Confirmation once again that IPEX has a key role to play in the worldwide print and publishing industry and it would appear that the exhibition has come at just the right time to provide the catalyst the market was seeking. At 17.30 on Tuesday 16th April 2002, with one day of the exhibition still to take place, the final attendance for IPEX 2002 is set to be in excess of 70 percent of the record visitor level achieved for IPEX 98. Commenting on the initial statistics, Caroline Eden, Exhibition Director said: "It appears that organisations have elected to send one or two senior personnel rather than a large group of employees, which in the current economic climate is perhaps understandable." The international visitor attendance represents over 30 percent of the total visitors, which matches IPEX 98’s record level of overseas visitors, which was over 50 percent up on IPEX 93. This was achieved despite the expected reduction in attendees from the Americas and Africa. Specific increases in attendance levels came from South East Asia, which was up by over 150 percent, and non-EU Europe was over 50 per higher when compared to 1998. Most importantly exhibitors are reporting that the level of personnel seniority from both overseas and UK companies is exceptionally high. Over 60 percent of attendees were senior managers, company directors and owner managers. "Last year’s downturn in the global economy has had an impact on exhibitions worldwide, particularly international events", continues Caroline Eden. "However, the change in attendance levels for IPEX 2002 seems to be far less significant than trade events in general are reporting. This is encouraging given the fact that the print and publishing industry has been particularly badly hit in the past year. "The value attached to the IPEX brand combined with the largest and most successful marketing campaign ever have also been key factors in delivering an international decision making and buying audience. This is reinforced by the fact that pre registration figures for IPEX 2002 matched the' 98 figures." Michael Knight, President of IPEX 2002 and Chairman of The Knight Organisation, which exhibited in Hall 10 comments: "It was obvious on my travels around the exhibition which companies had paid special attention to attracting traffic to their stand. I compliment them on their successful marketing and the contribution they have made to the overall success of the show and the new ‘feel-good’ factor that we are experiencing. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the IPEX 2002 team on once again managing and delivering such a major event." Looking ahead to IPEX 2006, Picon has confirmed that the next exhibition will take place at a similar time in spring 2006. Over 65 percent of exhibitors have already submitted their initial stand requirement forms and have asked to be included in the planning process for IPEX 2006. "IPEX 2002 has continued its tradition of providing a quality audience for exhibitors", adds John Brazier, chief Executive of Picon. "It is particularly satisfying to note that the level of international visitors has been maintained, further cementing the show’s leading status, along with drupa, on the worldwide exhibition calendar."