Trade shows are curious beasts, and the people who attend them possibly even curiouser. They go to enjoy themselves, shop and hang out with their peers, and if they can learn something new so much the better. Rarely do people go to trade shows these days with a view to making or participating in changes to their industry. This is mostly because it seems like print technology is a done deal. Even for sign-makers and display producers, where there is so much activity and innovation, the burning issues of data formats and page description are solved.
But there is one area gently smouldering away and that is set to get smokier and smokier. Matters ecological and concerns about print's environmental impact are a persistent worry for print buyers and end users, and print service providers cannot ignore them forever. Advances such as HP latex ink or Bio Media are teensy weensy droplets in a much denser fog. Concerns about the printing industry's impact on the environment pervade all sectors. And although development of standards such as ISO 16759 for measuring the carbon footprint of print media products is underway, there is still too little knowledge, understanding or consensus amongst printers for how print should improve its environmental impact.
A new trade show has just been announced that aims to address this gap. The idea with next year's EcoPrint is to provide an environment conducive to debate, argument and discussion. EcoPrint is totally focused on sustainability in the printing industry but its organiser, FM Brooks, is planning it to be part trade show, part talking shop. There is of course the usual show floor. But in addition the show is peppered with dedicated areas for technical seminars, debates and discussions. They address how, for instance, to implement technologies such as preflighting or colour management in order to reduce carbon footprints. They will explain what carbon management is all about and why recycling may or may not be a good idea. The emphasis is very much on raising the knowledge bar and encouraging visitors to fix the perennial problem of not knowing what they don't know.
EcoPrint takes place at the Station in Berlin, which was once the heart of the city's post and freight delivery. This seriously cool venue has multiple spaces, nooks and crannies so it will work well for an event that wants to encourage a sense of intimacy.
The idea of yet another trade show for our industry is undeniably yawn-worthy. But an event for knowledge development and improving awareness of the environmental impact worries facing our industry is extremely exciting. The question isn't whether such an event is needed, but whether or not FM Brooks can carry it off. Directors Frazer Chesterman and Marcus Timson have a proven track record as part of the FESPA team so there probably isn't a question at all.