Exhibitors and trade bodies reserve special praise for The Print Show ahead of 2016 event

A group of key major print industry brands and industry trade bodies have spoken out in strong support of The Print Show, highlighting the many benefits visitors and exhibitors alike can enjoy by attending the event.

Having established itself as a key event on the UK calendar after last year’s very successful debut event, The Print Show is now generating even more interest amongst industry members ahead of its second edition this year, which runs at the NEC in Birmingham from October 11^th to 13^th.

“The Print Show is now a tried, tested, and successful event and that speaks volumes in its second year. They key ethos of the show is that we have the interests of the industry at heart and have created an event that is a direct reflection of the UK’s commercial print supply chain,” says event director Chris Davies, who adds: “Being part of the same group as Print Monthly magazine, we really have a feel for what the industry wants in a trade show as we are in continuous engagement with printers, suppliers, and manufacturers alike. The shape and direction of the show is also based on hard data generated through conducting surveys through our six person telesales team, who twice a year now call through our entire 20,000 plus strong database of companies across the graphics arts industry.”

With under 150 days to go until the show opens its doors, leading individuals from a number of exhibitors and trade bodies have issued a call to the industry to attend The Print Show this year.

One major industry figure championing The Print Show is Charles Jarrold, chief executive officer of the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), one of the many trade bodies that supported the debut event last year.

“We know our members want to network and be exposed to new technologies and ideas; The Print Show provides an ideal arena for these two needs to be met simultaneously,” Jarrold said.

“For exhibitors, many associates of ours, it gives them a chance to show off their latest offering and have real time, face to face conversations with customers. For visitors, the Printer Bazaar demonstrating the latest niche print technology in action, is sure to be an attraction and it’s great that print’s heritage is being celebrated in Traditional Print Masterclasses.

“We are looking forward to talking to printers about how, by working together, we can improve their bottom line, ensure they stay compliant, and provide the best training to their employees.”

Also keen to highlight the benefits of attending is Sidney Bobb, chairman of the British Association for Print and Communication (BAPC). Bobb said: “The BAPC is eagerly looking forward to the 2016 Print Show which is where visitors will see at close hand the latest technology, unique ideas for production and business development and at the same time have an opportunity to meet with peers and suppliers all under one roof. The show also provides exhibitors with the ideal occasion to talk to existing customers and of course serious prospects the chance to meet with existing customers and prospects.”

Neil Lovell, chief executive of event partner The Printing Charity, has also spoken out in support of show, saying: “The Print Show promotes the innovation and creativity in today’s UK print industry and is a valuable platform for exhibitors and prospective customers to meet. Last year’s inaugural event was an ideal opportunity for The Printing Charity to promote our work to exhibitors and visitors. We’ll be using this year’s event to build on those relationships and make new contacts.”

Elsewhere, Jonathan Tame, country manager at Print Power and Two Sides, was also highly supportive of the show, highlighting the benefits of visiting. He said: “The world of print is changing, both in new and emerging technologies and in the way businesses communicate with their customers. The Print Show is hugely important, connecting our industry and showcasing innovative solutions through the value chain of print, from manufacturers, printers to the buyers of print media. On last year’s success The Print Show 2016 can only be more impactful, and we will be there to support the event and extol the benefits of print media.”

Aside from trade body partners, a number of major brands that exhibited at the show last year, and will be returning in October, have also spoken warmly about the event.

Bernard Cassidy, market development manager, production print for Konica Minolta, said: “The inaugural event far surpassed our expectations and we are setting the bar high this year. The Print Show brings all of the key players in our industry together in one place.

“It’s the perfect platform for us to showcase new products, solutions and services and conduct hands-on demonstrations. But, more, importantly, exhibitions provide us with opportunity to engage with people face-to-face, whether that’s to build on already strong existing customer and partner relationships, make new connections, or engage with potential buyers.”

Tatsuo Murakami, managing director of Riso UK, also said: “When you choose a show to attend, you need to have confidence that it will deliver a return on investment, not necessarily immediately, but in the long-term too. You need to know that it will help you build beneficial relationships.

“The Print Show has proved that it is one of the shows that you need to be at. The footfall figures, with senior people in attendance, make it a place to be for manufacturers such as Riso. Visitors can see some of the latest print technology and solutions on show.

“It makes sense to be part of something that shines the spotlight on print, but it’s also where people talk and that is where the real business benefit is.”

Also in attendance last year and returning this year is OKI, whose marketing manager, Andrew Hall, said: “OKI participated in the inaugural Print Show in 2015. We had a very successful event and generated well over 30 orders for our Pro Series products.

“Since last year’s show, we have grown our portfolio of Graphic Arts products to now include wide-format and two new additions to the Pro range with neon and white under devices. Based on this, we have decided to take a much larger stand at this year’s event.

“The quality of visitors was exceptional and hopefully 2016 will see a greater footfall based on last year’s success.”