Heidelberg pulls out of Ipex 2014

- Heidelberg joins HP and Agfa with decision not to exhibit at next installment of Ipex

 

- Organizer says bookings from top 100 vendors ahead of previous Ipex cycles

 

German press manufacturer Heidelberg will not exhibit at Ipex 2014, following HP and Agfa in pulling out of the show.

 

Informa Exhibitions, which organizes Ipex and a range of other shows, including the rebranded North Print & Pack show in 2013, said it received word this week from Heidelberg that it would not be exhibiting at the 2014 show.

 

This decision by Heidelberg will be addressed in detail by Informa Exhibitions and discussed with the Ipex Advisory Committee (IAC) at the next meeting, which takes place on September 20.

 

 

HP has already announced its decision not to have a direct presence at the next Ipex, as has Agfa. Landa, which launched its nanographic digital print system at Drupa, is also said to be considering its presence at the show.

 

In the most recent issue of Package Print Worldwide, HP and Agfa noted that their strategies in emerging markets, and a desire to attend regional and market-focused shows, were behind their decision to not exhibit.

 

Trevor Crawford (pictured, top), the director of Informa’s print group, said: ‘We are very disappointed in Heidelberg’s decision to withdraw from Ipex 2014.

 

‘Heidelberg has long been synonymous with printing and has a long association with Ipex. As organisers of a range of exhibitions around the world, we will continue to have an ongoing dialogue with them.’

 

Despite the decision by HP, Agfa, and now Heidelberg, to not attend Ipex 2014, a host of companies have signed up to attend. These include: Canon, CMC, EFI, Epson, Fujifilm, Horizon, Kodak, Komori, Konica Minolta, Müller Martini, Pitney Bowes, Presstek, Screen, Xeikon and Xerox.

 

Xeikon and Canon outlined their reasons for attending Ipex 2014 in Package Print Worldwide issue #3, 2012.

 

Informa added that of the top 33 key footprints throughout the show, 29 have increased their floor space for Ipex 2014 from 2010. More specifically, 16 major digital exhibitors have increased their stand space by a total of 55 percent collectively. Ipex 2014 has already received more significant bookings from the top 100 vendors than ever before so early in the booking cycle, Informa added.

 

It has recently announced an international roadshow to promote Ipex 2014 in key visitor territories.

 

David Preskett, president of Ipex 2014 and European professional print director at Canon Europe, said: ‘Heidelberg’s decision is obviously a disappointment.

 

‘However, Ipex has a rich heritage and tradition for innovation, and plans are well underway with the IAC and other industry associations to ensure that Ipex 2014 captures the rapid changes taking place in our industry as print continues to evolve as a key element in the new order marketing mix.’

 

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