The IPIA will run its first physical event for almost two years in December. A Recognising Excellence Gala and Expo will be held at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon on Thursday, 2 December.
“Covid-19 drove most of us online, but in amongst digital fatigue, print continued to demonstrate its relevance and effectiveness as part of marketing activity – with 41%* of businesses claiming to increase spend on ad mail this year. Now it is time for us to show leadership, come together, generate confidence and help kick-start our sector’s growth,” said Lucy Swanston, chair of the IPIA event subcommittee and managing director of Nutshell Creative.
The event has the backing of the association’s sponsors (Antalis, Canon, Duplo, Fujifilm, Imprint MIS, Konica Minolta, Vivid, Xerox and Xmpie), with additional exhibitors to be announced.
Swanston added: “This will be our first in-person event since the pandemic began, although we have hosted several lauded virtual events like #Punchbackprint and the IPIA Big Breakfast networking mornings. We are looking forward to not only seeing what our print technology providers have got to showcase, but to also welcome print buyers, agencies, trade houses and suppliers to the event.”
The expo and business networking hub runs from 11am - 3pm, with a buffet lunch and the IPIA chairman’s address on critical market trends. The IPIA AGM will then take place from3.30pm for an hour. The gala dinner begins at 7pm, with the Recognising Excellence Awards presented from 9pm. A range of tickets is available, from £12 for IPIA/BAPC members and from £14.40 and for non-members.