Business News

Key industry trade bodies commit to The Print Show

Thursday 11. June 2015 - All print-focused trade bodies have declared their support for the debut event

Organisers of The Print Show have confirmed that the inaugural edition of the event this year has secured the backing of all major print-focused trade bodies and charitable organisations in the industry.
Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from October 13th to 15th, the show has attracted plenty of interest from companies across the industry, with many major print brands having already committed to appearing at the show.
This high level of support has now been given a further boost by the news that all major trade bodies from within the print industry have declared their support for the event, with several key organisations due to be in attendance at the show.
One such body is Two Sides and Print Power, which is known throughout the industry not only for its backing of print as a sustainable media, but also for highlighting the many benefits such materials can offer to those brands that opt to use it.
Jonathan Tame, UK country manager for Two Sides and Print Power, believes the way that The Print Show has been put together will allow the organisation to effectively communicate its message to visitor and exhibitors alike.
“Print Power promotes the use and effectiveness of print media in a multi-channel market, to media and marketing professionals across Europe,” Tame said. He added: “We maintain that print media is one of the most powerful and sustainable forms of communication.
“We believe events showcasing the value, dynamism and print innovation for marketing professionals and brands are really important.
“We are confident that The Print Show will deliver a new and innovative, content-rich event, which really excites the print industry and we fully endorse the idea of running their new event alongside other relevant events from the marketing and business sectors, in our creative capital – London.”
Addressing the needs of the industry
In addition to confirming the backing of all major trade bodies, which include the BPIF, BAPC, IPIA, St Brides Foundation, PICON, ProSkills, and The Printing Charity, organisers have also confirmed the signing of a number of new key print industry players. One such company is OKI, which specialises in the manufacture and supply of digital print equipment, inks, and media.
Andrew Hall, marketing manager at OKI, was heavily involved with the process surrounding its decision to sign up to the event and states that the show will not only help the firm get its message out to the UK market, but also help customers find the best solution for their various printing needs.
“We believe that the Print Show will attract the right level of visitor and more importantly UK-based,” Hall says.
He continues: “As we have a fantastic product for this market, the show will enable OKI to showcase our solutions for the print sector under one roof and attract large numbers of potential customers over the three days. This alone is one of the reasons we have chosen to exhibit.
“The Print Show will address the needs of the print industry in that customers can see the latest in technology from key manufacturers and suppliers. Digital print is growing in this sector and the entry level products have shown huge innovations in the last few years.”
Blueprint for the future
Meanwhile, visitors at the show will also get the chance to take in the work from some of the best young print talent in the UK. PrintIT!, the popular education initiative run by Proskills, will be hosting a competition at the show that will give talented youngsters not only the chance to win a special prize, but also show off their work first-hand to exhibitors and visitors alike.
Youngsters will be tasked with designing an A3 poster that showcases how print affects the world we live in. Entries that are considered creative and bold will be shortlisted for a chance to win a brand new laptop, while all finalists will be invited to attend The Print Show. The judging panel will be made up of a number of industry experts from various trade bodies, companies exhibiting at the show, as well as members of The Print Show team.
Jonathan Ledger, chief executive officer of Proskills UK, says: “We are delighted to be running this mini competition alongside our PrintIT! 2015/16 programme and can’t wait to see the images produced by our registered students.
“We are very excited that The Print Show will be able to invite the finalists to their show, where we will be announcing the winner. Look out for some exceptional entries and I’m sure the judges will have a hard time picking a winner.”
Reflecting on the latest developments from The Print Show, event director Chris Davies praises the commitment from trade bodies and exhibitors, stating that the show will provide, ‘an effective platform to promote products, services and the benefits of print’.
He continues: “If you look at the number of trade bodies that have signed up, this just goes to show exactly how much the UK needs an event like this.
“Not only do we have their blessing to launch the show, but they’ll be in attendance at the NEC to help spread our message about building for a successful future in the UK print market.
“I’m also looking forward to seeing work from some of print’s brightest young minds with the PrintIT! and Proskills competition. This will also fit in with our ‘Blueprint for the Future’ tagline and how The Print Show can help UK printers ensure success moving forward.”