Following the launch of Ipex 2014 at the highly successful Stars in Print official launch reception at drupa 2012, which was attended by over 100 of the industry's senior management, the Ipex 2014 organisers are thrilled to announce that more than 70% of the 100,000m2 gross floor space available at London's ExCeL Centre has been confirmed.

"Following a hugely successful drupa, where we had an unprecedented uptake level of exhibitors joining the show, we're delighted about the commitment from major industry suppliers," comments Trevor Crawford, Director of the Informa Print & Media Group. "Exhibitors were extremely upbeat about Ipex's relocation to London and the new, more visitor-friendly layout of the show at the ExCeL. Equally, suppliers are confident that the new destination will increase the international appeal and attract new audiences, including print specifiers from different vertical industries."

He continues: "drupa 2012 has once again demonstrated the importance of major international exhibitions as a platform to learn about industry innovations, and where business opportunities are created and deals done."

Some exhibitors have significantly increased their stand space. In particular, EFI has increased the size of its stand by 740%, while JMD Machinery has committed to an increase of 240%, Up Group by 233%, Impika by 108%, Konica Minolta by 95%, Canon by 31%, while Ricoh Europe, Epson, Hans Grohni/Printers Superstore, Screen, Xeikon, Fujifilm, Horizon/IFS, Agfa and Duplo have also committed to bigger stands at the 2014 event. Overall, the major footprints within the digital sector of Ipex have increased by 32%.

"With Ipex relocating to London in 2014, we believe the event will attract more visitors than ever, especially from the European continent, Asia and South America," said Frank Tueckmantel, VP of corporate marketing at EFI. "To reflect the recent growth of our business as well as the success of our customers, we have decided to bring our full portfolio of EFI products to the next show. In addition to our software and Fiery technology, we will also show our full array of inkjet solutions. EFI is putting Ipex at the very top of the list of 2014 events in Europe - our stand will be nearly eight times the size of our 2010 presence to allow more customers than ever to explore the opportunities of high-value output and improve business efficiencies."

The Ipex Journey
Visitors to drupa were first to witness the unveiling of the new Ipex branding featuring a distinct compass to highlight Ipex's role in helping printers with their journey through the ever-changing and evolving graphic arts and communications landscape. The central theme of 'discovering' and 'exploring' in the Ipex marketing collateral highlights the role print plays has to play in the 21st century and reflects Ipex's reputation for being at the forefront of innovation.

"Feedback about our striking compass as the central icon of our marketing collateral has been extremely positive as printers can identify very well with the key messages behind it," explains Nick Craig Waller, Marketing Director Ipex 2014. "This was also echoed during our informal media mingle event at drupa during which we welcomed more than 100 members of the international trade press."

Ipex at the London ExCeL
Ipex 2014 will take place at London's ExCeL international exhibition and conference centre www.excel-london.co.uk  from 26th March to 2nd April 2014. The new Ipex 2014 link is now live in www.ipex.org.

Ipex's new home, the ExCeL, will substantially improve the visitor and exhibitor journey. With two main halls of 50,000m2 each on either side of the stunning main Boulevard that spans 600 metres and includes over 30 restaurants, bars and eateries, the ExCeL Centre provides an unrivalled event experience. Ipex 2014 will also benefit from the Olympic legacy that is set to start in less than eight weeks, with its unprecedented investment in the City, including new hotels, improved transport infrastructure and stunning new after-hours social venues.

The ExCeL Centre enjoys excellent sight lines with 24 main hall entrances off the central Boulevard, while the halls themselves have no columns, pillars posts or irregular space. The venue also boasts the finest IT infrastructure and free Wi-Fi within the Boulevard.