Northprint 2013 will remain at the Harrogate International Centre in 2013 and take place 14 -16 May.
The decision to stay in Harrogate follows what Trevor Crawford, director of the Informa Print Group, describes as “comprehensive research into exhibitors’ and visitors’ attitudes to every aspect of the show, including the possibility of a new venue. The results confirm our initial belief in the wake of the successful 2011 show that Northprint is well and truly back and set for a strong future, and that at the present time Harrogate is still the best place for the show. Asked whether a move to Manchester would affect their attendance, 75% of exhibitors and 70% of visitors said it would either have no effect or would make them less likely to attend.”
Informa said a third of the exhibitors at Northprint 2011 have re-booked for 2013. Northprint 2011 bounced back from a disappointing recession-hit 2009 show, recording a 40% rise in attendance. Exhibitors praised the seniority and decision-making status of the 2,350 visitors plus exhibitors, press and repeat visitors who were drawn from all parts of the country - around 60% from the north and the remaining 40% from the Midlands and the south.
Crawford said Informa is already working on the programme of features at Northprint 2013. “Last year’s show demonstrated that Northprint is a very important industry showcase for the whole of the UK print community. One key finding of our research was that visitors want to see Northprint grow, in size and breadth of coverage, and this year we will be working to do just that.”