With 500 days to go until Ipex 2014 kicks off in the London based ExCeL International Exhibition and Conference Centre, the countdown to the industry’s key global print, media & communications event for 2014 has begun. And, Ipex 2014 is shaping up to deliver a world-class visitor and exhibitor experience. Over 225 exhibitors, which include 67% of its exhibitors in 2010, have already confirmed their attendance – making up 63% of the available floorspace.

   A testament to the organiser’s commitment to delivering a highly relevant industry event, the Informa Print & Media Group has recently commissioned an in-depth global market study to analyse the market, with a large focus on developing regions, including China and Brazil. The strategic research is looking at how the global print market is evolving by investigating key trends, demographics, and the continuing impact of digital and other emerging technologies. Respondents will also be able to give their insights and opinions on Ipex 2014 visitors’ needs and priorities, and how Ipex should maximise its value to the print and marketing communications industry.

“In this fast evolving multi-channel communications mix, it is important for us to understand the needs of the market to ensure we deliver a compelling and highly relevant industry event in 2014,” comments Trevor Crawford, Director, Informa Print & Media Group. “Our research agency is speaking to thousands of people from around the world who are connected to the print communications industry in order to capture their opinions on these very important topics. Once this in depth study concludes at the end of this year, we will of course share the outcome with the industry as soon as it is available.”

The results of the research will also be used to further define and shape the range of initiatives for Ipex 2014. This includes Cross Media’s integration into Ipex 2014, the ￡1 million funded Hosted VIP Buyer Programme, a Global Roadshow across 16 countries, the Global Summit and ExCeL Boulevard.

Crawford adds: “We are delighted with the industry’s positive response to the Ipex 2014 initiatives that has already been announced. The outcome of the study will ensure we deliver to the needs of the market when we roll it out in further detail, with more announcements forthcoming in 2013.”

Nick Craig Waller, Ipex 2014 Marketing Director says: “We are excited about Ipex 2014’s progress and development and look forward to delivering a highly relevant event that will exceed both visitors and exhibitors’ expectations in 500 days’ time. I am confident that with everything Ipex 2014 will offer, it will be the industry’s main event for investment, research, networking and content in 2014.”