PrintEx15 has surpassed expectations and succeeded in its two most important aims – to provide a showcase of the very latest innovations in the print and graphic communications industry and a successful environment in which to conduct business. Importantly, it also lived up to its aim to provide the ideas, information and resources required at a pivotal time for the industry.
Organisers report that pre-audited attendance numbers show that PrintEx and the co-located Visual Impact exhibition attracted over 6000 visits from industry professionals at its new home at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.
Around 67% of PrintEx15 visitors came from NSW, 12% from Victoria, 7% from Queensland, 2% from WA and another 5% from other States. A further 7% came from overseas destinations including a strong contingent from ‘across the ditch’ in New Zealand, making up 4% of total visitors.
Just on half those who attended were business owners or top level managers and the intensive discussions held on stands across the three-day event proved that they were there to conduct genuine business. This was reflected in the ‘SOLD’ stickers which multiplied by the hour on systems and equipment from multiple vendors, with millions of dollars of business transacted during the show.
“PrintEx15 has been an enormously positive event for all concerned. The number, quality and geographical spread of attendees exceeded expectations by some distance,” said Phillip Rennell, chairman of PrintEx15.
“Throughout all three days it was clear that attendees were the right people to benefit from the broad showcase of technology, systems and services PrintEx15 offered, and to provide the ROI which exhibitors truly deserve for their enormous investment, not just of money but of time, energy and expertise.
“There has been a constant buzz around the stands, not only generated by good numbers of quality visitors, but by the genuine interest and expectation shown by those people in what PrintEx exhibitors had to offer. Professional visitors were able to see, touch and feel possible solutions and to discover options and ideas that they may never have thought to look for – and to discover new and important ways to really ‘make their businesses fly’.”
Visitors, too, have been delighted with the value offered at the show, providing very positive feedback not only on the quality displays, range of products and enthusiasm of the 100-plus suppliers on display, but also of the ideas and inspiration which have been provided during their visit.
They were also very appreciative of the associated activities, particularly the comprehensive PrintEx Forums program, which concluded with sessions looking at meeting the industry’s future challenges, energy efficient supply, and building capital through social investment, as well as several presentations from vendors providing information about specific systems and technologies.
As well as gathering all the latest and most innovative technology under one roof, PrintEx15 also provided the opportunity to meet with suppliers and peers and this has been borne out not only on the exhibition floor, but also at a host of functions which have extended the PrintEx ‘experience’ and provided a welcome chance to catch up with colleagues and friends from around the industry.
As the final day of the show drew to a close, that is exactly what many of PrintEx visitors were planning to do as they left to join in the industry’s ‘night of nights’ at the Media Super National Print Awards, held nearby.
“PrintEx15 has demonstrated that in today’s challenging multi-channel world, trade shows are as valuable as they have ever been, both for both exhibitors and visitors, particularly at such a pivotal time for many businesses,” said Rennell in closing.
“As always, one of its most valuable contributions is the energy and optimism a trade show such as PrintEx generates ;there has been a very positive ‘buzz’ around the halls and, looking forward, we hope this sense of optimism and confidence will translate into an industry ready to embrace and capitalise on the exciting new ideas and opportunities which will help make their businesses ‘fly’. If so, we have more than achieved our aims.”