Northprint relaunched with package printing focus

- Print for packaging to add new dimension to show formerly known as Northprint

 

- Strong growth from 2009 to 2011 shows expected to continue at 2013 edition

 

Informa Exhibitions is relaunching its Northprint show as North Print & Pack in response to growing interest in the package printing market.

 

The UK-focused show, taking place in Harrogate next May, will now include exhibitors and content directly focused at package printing, and provide additional opportunities for the UK print industry to network and explore new applications.

 

Trevor Crawford, North Print & Pack event director and overall director for Informa’s print group, said there is a ‘big appetite’ for package printing amongst the established Northprint audience, and that an increasing number of printers are looking at packaging as a way to diversify their business and open up new revenue streams.

 

North Print & Pack 2013 will also include demonstrations, workshops and seminar content relevant to the package printing market, as well as the wider print business environment, and will also see the return of working presses to the show floor.

 

More detailed information regarding the floor plan and confirmed exhibitors will be announced in the coming weeks, but Alphasonics, Autobond, Edale, K2 International and Technotrans are among those to have already confirmed their attendance.

 

Edale’s Jessica Gong said: ‘We view North Print & Pack 2013 not only as a place to meet potential customers but also as a base to meet up with current customers, suppliers and industry friends. 

 

‘We were keen to support North Print & Pack 2013 because the new focus and angles that the show is promoting is in fitting with Edale’s strategy moving forward.’

 

On the show floor, package printing processes will be mixed with technologies traditionally seen at Northprint, as opposed to being segmented, in order to allow delegates to see the gamut of processes and opportunities presented at the show as they walk the aisles.

 

Crawford said that as a medium-sized show, visitors to North Print & Pack would be able to comfortably walk the whole floor, and that mixing the expected with the unexpected will allow delegates to be ‘surprised in new ways’.

 

Crawford added that Northprint saw strong growth between the recession-hit 2009 show and 2011, doubling in size and seeing a 40 percent rise in attendance.

 

Growth of 30-40 percent is expected again by Crawford in 2013, with the new elements to help the show increase its relevance to a wider section of the UK print industry.

 

As part of this effort to expand the relevance of the show, Mary Buck (pictured, top) has been appointed as sales manager for North Print & Pack. Buck started working on the show in April, and has more than a decade of experience working for print service providers and suppliers.

 

Buck said: ‘There are two key drivers behind our reasons for expanding the event reach and revitalizing the name.

 

‘In 2011, an increasing number of exhibitors were showing print on packaging applications, while a significant percentage of our visitors were looking to invest in these solutions.

 

‘For visitors, it is not just about seeing new applications and the latest technologies – North Print & Pack 2013 will deliver a much broader event that includes training and skills development.’

 

She added: ‘In 2011, we introduced a seminar programme that proved extremely successful, and we will now develop even further.

 

‘Content, learning and personal development will be a key element of the event to compliment exhibitors’ application showcase, and the addition of our conference programmes and other key features will contribute to ensure a rich visitor experience.’

 

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