Ipex organiser Informa Exhibitions has announced a £1m Hosted Buyer Programme for the 2014 event. The company used its new show Cross Media at the start of this week to launch the scheme in the wake of decisions by key suppliers like HP, Agfa and Heidelberg not to exhibit at Ipex.
Informa Exhibitions managing director Peter Hall said: "While this programme is new to the graphic arts industry, it has proved to be a very successful format in other communities, and is a well-known initiative to Informa. This investment confirms our commitment our flagship international event, Ipex."
Informa print group director and Ipex event director Trevor Crawford said the aim of the Hosted Buyer programme was to bring 1,000 potential print kit buyers from around the world to Ipex 2014 in London. Invited attendees – which are yet to be decided - will have their travel and accommodation paid for via the scheme, part of the show’s wider VIP programme. Other benefits will include invitations to seminars, pre-arranged diary facility to meet with nominated exhibiting companies, a VIP reception, use of a dedicated VIP lounge etc.
While Crawford said he expects 55% of Ipex 2014 visitors to be international he also confirmed that a focus group is looking at how to re-engage with UK visitors. “We don’t want to see an increase in ROW figures to the detriment of UK visitors and we have plans to ensure that,” he said.
Crawford also said a Global Print Summit will be introduced at Ipex 2014 and that the idea for a National Print Week during the event timescale is being investigated. Details have yet to be confirmed.