Ipex 2014 has taken another blow with Heidelberg saying it will not exhibit. The news comes just weeks after HP said it had made a decision not to exhibit at the show.
“It’s been a very difficult decision, made at international level,” said Heidelberg UK managing director Gerard Heanue. “We need to take a different approach here in Europe than in developing markets like China and Brazil where there remains a need to use exhibitions to meet new buyers and make them aware of the scale and scope of our wide portfolio of products and services.” He added: “We still think that Informa’s decision to move Ipex to London was the right one. We supported it but even since the last Ipex in 2010 the market has changed and so regrettably we have had to let them know that we will not be there.”
Event director Trevor Crawford said: “We are very disappointed. Heidelberg has long been synonymous with printing and has a long association with Ipex.”
The decision by Heidelberg will be addressed in detail by Informa Exhibitions and discussed with the Ipex Advisory Committee (IAC) at the next meeting, which has been scheduled for 20 September.
David Preskett, president of Ipex 2014 and European professional print director, 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.”
Crawford added: “With Ipex moving to London in 2014, we see an unrivalled opportunity to promote the applications on show to marketers, brand owners and creatives. By integrating our Cross Media event into Ipex 2014, it will provide a wider range of visitors than ever before. The nearly 400,000 people working in London’s creative industry, all contribute to make it the Capital’s second largest sector with 32 billion Euro per year, generating 16% of the city’s gross value. At Ipex 2014, Ipex plans to showcase the very best in print and where print sits in the contemporary marketing mix.”
