PacPrint 2017 closes with exhibitors reporting strong sales

Peter Harper, general manager of show organizer, Visual Connections, said: ‘Data from our information sources and from exhibitors is still being collected; however informal feedback indicates the sales tally from just three of the larger exhibitors is expected to top 15 million AUD (11.1 million USD), with others reporting strong – although as yet untallied – sales totals.

‘Visitor numbers were down on 2013, which was not unexpected given the continuing consolidation of the industry over the last four years but daily visitor numbers were comparable to the previous iteration, without the sharp drops seen in shows over the past decade.’

Key themes covered at the show were digital technologies, automation and workflow with a marked dominance of digital presses, including from the label segment, as well as wide format technologies. Sydney-based Foxcil acquired the first Konica Minolta bizhub Press C71cf label press in Australia, while Peacock Bros signed up for the first HP Indigo 8000 in the ANZ region.

Packaging was evident also, significantly more so than in recent years, while PacPrint 2017 will also be remembered as the show which saw 3D print take the leap from ‘novelty’ to ‘serious’ status, with several exhibitors demonstrating technology.

Pacprint chairman Adrian Fleming commented: ‘Numbers (alone) will never tell the whole story; what is perhaps most pleasing is the positive mood around the industry, evident at the show.

‘This is where the true value of these events lies and it was successfully delivered during PacPrint 2017.’