The Informa Print Group has announced that leading offset press manufacturer Heidelberg will have a major presence at Ipex 2014, which will take place at London’s ExCeL international exhibition and conference centre from 26th March to 2nd April 2014.
Heidelberg will be located in ExCeL’s largest hall - the Auditorium - matching the company’s footprint at Ipex 2010 and securing it the dominant position in the exhibition’s offset litho and ancillary sector.
Says Gerard Heanue, Managing Director of Heidelberg UK, “The scale of our commitment to Ipex 2014 is testimony to our wholehearted support for the exhibition’s relocation to London - a global venue for a truly international event. The timing of the decision, which comes significantly earlier than for previous Ipex editions, is further evidence of our excitement and enthusiasm.”
He continues, “The facilities at ExCeL provide the scope to action new ideas to maximise our participation. For example, we will use the new international conference facilities (ICC) - located directly above the Auditorium - to run a programme of events throughout the show. These will include expert seminars on topics including productivity benchmarking, colour management, W2P and the effective integration of digital and litho production technologies, as well as events with a general appeal supporting activities such as encouraging the participation of women in print and the enhancement of skills through apprenticeship schemes and training programmes.”
''Ringing endorsement''
“We are delighted with this ringing endorsement of Ipex 2014 from a major manufacturer such as Heidelberg,” says Trevor Crawford, Director of the Informa Print Group, who adds that many other leading suppliers share Heidelberg’s enthusiasm. “We’ve had an extremely positive reaction from the top 30 exhibitors, all of whom have reserved space. They include other major press manufacturers, who will occupy substantial stands in the Capital hall located opposite the Auditorium. A registration process for all Ipex 2010 exhibitors is also under way, enabling them to secure their locations as soon as possible at what promises to be a game-changing Ipex. The level of confirmed support is so strong that we’ll be able to release floor plans early in the New Year.”
As further evidence of exhibitors’ interest Crawford cites the fact that Informa is currently hosting an average of three tours of the ExCeL venue each week. “To meet the unprecedented demand - and demonstrate ExCeL under ‘live conditions' -we’ll also hold open days during January to coincide with major ExCeL events, starting with the London Boat Show on the 10th. These will be followed by further events in February, March and April, in the run-up to drupa.”