2011 Sign and Digital Ireland and Print Ireland exhibitions cancelled
Faversham House Group, organiser of Sign and Digital Ireland and Print Ireland has has cancelled plans to run the exhibitions this year and now intends to hold them in the autumn of 2012 instead. A statement by the company said that the decision had been taken in light of research both of potential visitor and exhibitor numbers anticipated.
Rudi Blackett, event director, commented: “Although there are a number of stands already booked for the October 2011 shows, it was felt that the decision to postpone the event until next year is the correct one, given the current situation with the economy in Ireland. It should give the market more time to recover, especially the availability of credit for capital purchases and other types of investment. Faversham House Group is currently in discussion with venues about its preferred dates for a successful 2012 event.”
Eoin Honan, sales director at Reprocentre said of the decision to postpone the event: “I would agree with Rudi’s comments on the state of our economy. However trying to get credit for potential buyers is just nearly impossible these days. Reprocentre has taken orders again and again subject to finance, only to find that customers just can’t get approval from the banks.
“I feel that Faversham House made the correct decision in this instance, but other factors are at play here also. The industry has many trade show events every year, too many in my opinion. In order for a successful Irish event, exhibitors need to see value for money and a realistic floor space price. In the past this has not been the case.
“Faversham House runs a very professional show but at the last two shows I felt the footfall was poor, and this in my opinion is caused by the fact that customers are better informed today and instead travelling to international trade shows such as Fespa Digital, Sign and Digital UK and Drupa.“
Dave Rainsford, general manager for Hybrid Services Ireland/Mimaki, added: “It’s unfortunate that the Irish market won’t get a trade show this year. That said, most suppliers and manufacturers, just like everyone else in this country is under pressure to reduce costs and frankly the spend versus return at this time would need to be questioned. Overall considering we’re now beginning to see the seeds of recovery, Sign Ireland in its old slot was probably eight to nine months too soon and moving it is a good considered move.”
www.signanddigitalireland.com
