Business - Events

i-Sub will be exhibiting on its largest ever stand space at Sign and Digital UK 2014.  Furthermore, three new systems will be on display to Sign UK visitors for the very first time this spring: Digi-Foil, Agfa Asanti and Dgen Teleios Black.

Building on a very successful appearance at The Trophex Show in January, i-Sub Digital's exclusive Digi-Foil digital hot-foiling system will take the lead with its Sign and Digital UK debut. Digi-Foil is a groundbreaking new solution for the packaging, personalisation, awards and display markets, able to produce colour accurate mock-ups and hot-foiling effects in minutes, cutting days or weeks off traditional processes.

In addition, i-Sub Digital will be showcasing the Mimaki UJF3042 desktop printer, ideal for printing directly onto materials up to 150mm thick in full colour, white and clear varnish. It will be accompanied by a Mimaki CJV130 print-and-cut solvent solution, with automatic print-to-cut switching and top speeds of 17.5sqm/hr.

Also part of i-Sub Digital's line-up will be the high-speed UV-curable Agfa :Anapurna M2050, offering top quality prints at up to 1440dpi on uncoated rigid media, and a Zünd M1200 cutting table to demonstrate end-to-end printroom production. Agfa Asanti RIP, colour management and workflow software will also be shown in action at Sign and Digital UK for the first time.

I-Sub digital's sister company in the textile printing sector, i-Sub Ltd, will be showing the Epson SureColor F6000, Mimaki JV33 and Dgen Teleios Black dye-sublimation printers – the latter making its first appearance at Sign UK. I-Sub Ltd will demonstrate the potential for soft signage, apparel and interior décor textiles. CadCam Technology's Contour Cut laser-cutting system and a Monti Antonio heat press will complete the collection.

"This year's Sign UK will be our biggest yet. As well as market-leading equipment for wide-format display printing, visitors will be able to see how i-Sub's range can help them in the traditional sign and display markets and enter the packaging, personalisation and textile markets," says Andy Spreag, Managing Director, i-Sub Digital.

"With three products making their first appearance at Sign and Digital, we're expecting our stand to be busy. Our exclusive Digi-Foil system is predicted to be especially popular after drawing crowds at Trophex earlier this year and at two successful open days last autumn – it definitely has the 'wow' factor."

Sign and Digital UK runs from Tuesday April 29th to Thursday May 1st at the NEC, Birmingham. I-Sub Digital and i-Sub Ltd can be found at stand E10. To book a meeting at the show, please email info@i-subdigital.com or call +44 (0)1536 415511.

The organisers of Ipex 2014 say that the event will provide the print industry with the tools, knowledge and inspiration to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities. Responding to independent research and extensive industry wide consultations, Informa has maintained the event’s print-centricity, but developed the event to reflect the evolution of the global communications landscape. With just over a month to go, Ipex is poised to help print emphatically stake its place in the communications mix.

“Events are evolving, especially in B2B industries that are undergoing widespread changes like the print industry. It is critical for organisers to adapt their events to reflect these changes so that they deliver a wide range of benefits – including the all-important ROI – for exhibitors and visitors alike,” says Peter Hall, Managing Director, Informa Exhibitions.

“We have worked collaboratively with the international print industry and the markets that serve it to understand what Ipex needs to deliver. The result is an informative and engaging event that addresses every level and component of a print company through hundreds of international exhibitors showcasing their latest products and technologies, a comprehensive content programme, compelling features and the allure of London at the state-of-the-art ExCeL centre.”

“Ipex will be the first international print-centric event that doesn’t just look at the technologies to create quality print and the strategies and practices to harness its power, but one that reflects, analyses and provides proven solutions to help printers be a success in the modern marketing communications world. We have laid the groundwork to deliver a muti-faceted event that will support the industry now and in the coming years.”

New technologies and product launches

Ipex visitors will discover the latest global technologies and solutions to produce quality print applications. These technologies cover the entire print production workflow, from concept right through to the finished product, with suppliers from the UK and countries from across the globe, notably from Belgium, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, The Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the USA. In addition to a raft of upcoming and innovative suppliers exhibiting for the first time, there will be a host of new technologies launched, with more scheduled to be announced in the lead up to Ipex and at the event itself.

For pre-press, there will be new market software solutions for colour management, variable data printing, web-to-print, integrated communication solutions and design. On the print production side, there are digital printing product launches for inkjet, inkjet label, inkless photo and 5-colour LED A3 printing, as well as new document mailing solutions and converting and feeding technologies. New systems will also be showcased for the full range of finishing techniques, including laminating, foiling, folding, booklet-making, binding, cutting and more, in addition to new solutions for machine maintenance and consumables, with a wide range of new inks and substrates being showcased.

Global Community Spirit

Ipex will appeal to all communities within the print and media landscape. Dismantling the silos between printers, marketers, brand agencies, specifiers and publishers, visitors will be able to engage with the technologies, solutions, issues, opportunities and personnel that make the communication industries tick. Ipex will also host a plethora of events within the ExCeL, including B51/ISO Standard Global Gathering, an EFI User Group, and the PODi (Digital Printing Initiative) European Forum, further establishing Ipex as the heart of the print community.

Content programme and features

Ipex has been refined to be the definitive information source for the print industry in 2014 via the event’s comprehensive and relevant content programme, demonstrating to visitors how best to utilise and market print in the modern multi-media mix. Whether it’s understanding the trends that are shaping the industry, discovering new technologies and applications, developing robust business practices or honing operational skills and techniques, visitors from all corners of the print industry will find a practical takeaway, new idea, skill, solution or mind-set that will boost the performance of their company – for free.

The World Print Summit, a senior-level strategic thought leadership programme, will deliver a world-class line-up of speakers from the print, business, marketing and creative industries. An invaluable opportunity for business owners and managers, this forum will give them exclusive access to previously unheard content that will deliver the leading insights into the evolving role and power of print. Sessions will cover ‘How To Future-Proof Print in a Digital Age’, ‘Print: Doomed or on the Verge of a Digital Renaissance’, ‘Sustainability – So What? An Audience with Publishers and Printers’, ‘A Culture Shift Within The Print Industry’ and ‘The Evolving Role of Print for Consumer Marketing – Changing Attitudes to Print’. Speakers include Barry Hibbert (Polestar Group), Benny Landa (Landa Corp), Professor Emeritus Frank Romano (RIT), Rory Sutherland (OgilvyOne London and Ogilvy & Mather UK), Clive Humby (Starcount and developer of Tesco Clubcard), Patrick Martell (St. Ives Group and Ipex 2014 President), Richard Watson (acclaimed futurologist and author of Future Files), Kathy Woodward (BPIF) and Chris Jones (Novalia).

This programme is complemented by the Future Innovations zone, which looks at the printed products and technologies that are set for rapid expansion over the next few years across three sections – covering 3D printing, printed electronics and photo products. This will include a daily live demonstration of how to produce photo products from concept to end product.

The Masterclasses – organised by Print Future’s Neil Falconer – will focus on business growth and production efficiency for SME printers. Aimed at the owner of a print business and his sales and production teams, these practical sessions will tackle real life, day-to-day issues and look at how best to solve them to streamline production and support business growth. There is an eclectic assortment of engaging topics within the Masterclasses, including the ‘Evolution of a commercial printer’, ‘Five cost saving tips for better margins’, ‘New age of Print – strategic marketing, creative and great design’, ‘Changing sales and marketing habits to sell more print’, ‘Attracting and retaining the right staff to grow a print business’, ‘Where printers go wrong with colour management’ and a host more.

Meanwhile visitors will be drawn to Inspiration Avenue, three galleries along the ExCeL’s Boulevard, celebrating powerful print opportunities, impact statements and case studies that demonstrate the crucial role of print and its versatility across a number of major themes, including retail, interactive, automotive, sports, education, design and creative, and electronics. The Eco Zone – sponsored by Komori –will incorporate a gallery that will illustrate the eco-credentials of a number of Ipex exhibitors.

For print service providers looking for the tools and know-how to evolve into a full marketing service provider, Cross Media Production’s three theatres (running from 25th to 27th March) – covering brand management, 121 digital, data and direct marketing, and publishing – will focus on how to effectively implement communication strategies across multiple platforms. The Cross Media Production seminar programme features presentations, case studies and panel discussions on such topics as ‘Expanding Marketing Services to Deliver Cross-Channel Campaigns’, ‘Developing Transformation Strategies from Print to Cross Media’, ‘Increasing ROI Using Customer Insight Programs & Web2Media Platforms’ and ‘Managing Operational & Structural Change in Organisations’.

Ipex has also put an emphasis on the importance of injecting young blood into the industry. Designed specifically for students from secondary schools, colleges and universities, an exciting ‘Youth in Print’ programme will run on the last day (Saturday 29th March) – in and around the World Print Summit – that features presentations on the power of print from past students of the industry, a tour of Ipex, practical workshops and career advice for students.

At the Wide Format Zone, visitors will see a range of devices and ancillary services being showcased by Epson, Screen, D&K, Grafityp and M Partners, among others.

Trevor Crawford, Ipex 2014 Event Director, comments: “With only a month to go, everything we have worked towards is falling into place. By consulting the print industry, we have created an event that is inspiring, thought-provoking and relevant to the needs and requirements of print and media enterprises over the long term. Ipex is much, much more than an exhibition, and we can’t wait to demonstrate that in March when we open the doors at its new home at the ExCeL London.”

New home, new vision

All this takes place under one roof at Ipex’s new home at the ExCeL London, where visitors and exhibitors will be able to immerse themselves within a state of the art venue in one of the greatest business capitals in the world, as well as embracing London’s iconic culture and world famous nightlife – making Ipex much more than just a vital business trip.

Begin your Ipex journey

Visitors can pre-register for free via www.ipex.org, and are encouraged to keep up-to-date with the Ipex content programme via the website to enable them to plan their schedule, arrange travel and accommodation and make the most of their time at the event.

Agfa Graphics will address new industrial print applications with its industrial inkjet inks and inkjet printing systems at InPrint.

“Agfa Graphics will be exhibiting at InPrint 2014 in Hannover as a founder sponsor. This underlines how important the industrial sector is as an area for innovation and future growth," said Tom Cloots, Industrial Print Marketing Manager, Agfa Graphics. "The co-location with the Hannover Industrie Messe truly provides an excellent opportunity to connect with a community of industry leaders. Our industry specific UV ink formulations are the cornerstone of our new business offering, and we look forward to connecting with new manufacturing decision makers at InPrint 2014.”

Thanks to its versatility, inkjet technology enables businesses to integrate printing technology into their industrial manufacturing lines, to assist the function, decoration or manufacturing of the device. Think of applications such as decor and laminate, printing on glass, appliances and objects, cars, textiles, that all impose specific characteristics on the ink and the printing system.

Agfa has become an important ink supplier to integrators that offer such production systems including inkjet printing. Agfa’s position in the industrial print market benefits from its long-time and vested position in digital printing. Agfa Graphics' workflow management solutions also play a major role in the production processes, especially with respect to color management, variable data printing and pre-flighting.

Visit Agfa Graphics at InPrint 2014, Hall 21 booth D10

The inaugural Cross Media Production event – taking place between 25th and 27th March 2014 alongside Ipex 2014 – will establish the key channels, technologies and trends that are underpinning the way B2B companies are effectively communicating their brand stories to their target audiences by focusing on how visitors can incorporate these drivers into their own business models.

“A powerful cross media campaign, with the right blend of online and offline communications channels – including print – can truly transcend a brand’s story to build customer awareness and loyalty. However it has to be done with shared understanding across the marketing supply chain. The Brand Management Theatre will explain how this is achieved.” says Andrew Thornhill, Marketing Manager, Cross Media Production 2014.

The theatre’s programme features leading figures that oversee the design, procurement, development and execution of successful multi-channel and cross media marketing campaigns. Aimed at all stages of the marketing supply chain, visitors will not only discover the latest strategies, skills and practices that will enable them to clearly help communicate a brand’s message within the congested omni-channel communications world, but also receive the tools and knowledge by which to implement them.

Supporting technologies and solutions will be on hand from leading suppliers, including Censhare, a leading international provider of integration information systems, Locr maps, a leading full service provider for personalised maps in print and for cross media, and from Multi Channel Machine (MCM), a new venture from Marian Stefani (former RedTie CEO) in collaboration with XMPie, a Xerox company, who will also have a presence at the event as a sponsor of the networking zone. As will Adobe, who – like XMPie – will have personnel available to talk about the products and topics discussed in the theatre sessions.

Presentations, case studies and panel discussions will cover such issues and topics as ‘Workflow management to build a multi-channel campaign’, ‘Expanding marketing services to deliver cross channel campaigns’, ‘Trends in marketing technology to deliver multi-channel marketing’, ‘Developing transformation strategies from print to cross media’ and ‘Marketing procurement – supplier relationship management’, among others. Speakers include Duncan Stokes from Ogilvy Redworks, Mark Cruise from BSkyB, Jens Lundgaard from Brandworkz, Malcolm Lane-Ley from Anton Group, Richard O’Brian from EDF and other key players responsible for the production, management and delivery of their brand’s global marketing campaigns.

“The Brand Management Theatre demonstrates how to execute these campaigns, bringing together leading experts that have been there and done it – time and time again,” continues Thornhill. “These insightful sessions are invaluable in helping any brand looking to enhance the way they build and promote their company’s story, products and services across multiple channels from start to finish.”

Charlotte Graham-Cumming, B2B Marketing Professional, Ice Blue Sky, says, “I firmly believe that business opportunities can be greatly enhanced by agencies and commercial printers coming together to increase their joint value to customers. I will be exploring practical ways this can be achieved during the session 'How Engaging with Creative Agencies Can Increase Brand & Revenue’, and can't wait to hear about other people's experiences.”

Tim Bilsborough, Managing Director, Vedo Rich Media Insights, comments, “Cross Media Production provides a high quality showcase for the latest innovations, technology and skills that are essential for any business that needs to keep up with this fast-moving sector.”

“Cross Media Production will cover the technologies, applications and solutions that can help Ogilvy Redworks run global campaigns for our global clients across different channels and platforms,” adds Duncan Stokes, Global CEO, Ogilvy Redworks and Ogilvy UK. “It is pretty much the only event, as far as I'm aware, that will include such a large and diverse range of content, and with its home at the ExCeL London, it takes place in the hub of the print and media community in one of the business capitals in the world.”

For further information on Cross Media Production, including free pre-registration and the latest details of the event’s seminar programme, please visit www.cmpshow.com.

FESPA and APS Feiras & Eventos  have announced the second expansion of the FESPA Brasil 2015 exhibition. Following the success of the launch event in 2013, many exhibitors committed to their participation for the 2015 event, which spurred the exhibition to grow. With over one year until FESPA Brasil, the exhibition has increased again by 16% due to growing demand.

The growth is a result of more Brazilian manufacturers and suppliers recognising FESPA Brasil as the ideal place and opportunity to expand their presence in the visual communications, signage, screen printing, wide format digital and textile printing markets. Exhibitors value the high quality of the event and the visitors, this combined with the positive responses that have followed the 2013 edition, has resulted in previous exhibitors taking larger stands and more new companies reserving space.

With the increased floor plan, FESPA Brasil 2015 will take place during the same dates, 18-21 March 2015, as well as the same location at the Expo Center Norte. However, to accommodate the expansion, the exhibition has moved from the Blue Hall into the White Hall.

This second phase of growth demonstrates the market's confidence in the FESPA Brasil brand and its dedication to the community. Alexandre Keese, Director of APS Feiras & Eventos comments: "In addition to the great feedback from exhibitors during the show in 2013, with many of them confirming their participation for the next event, we have also had a lot of new companies approaching us to be part of the great line-up of industry brands - all looking to gain the same success the exhibitors had last year."

Raphael Komori, Marketing Manager of DIGI+ / Nutec Digital Ink Brasil, one of FESPA Brasil 2015 exhibitors, this is a very positive change: "Every change, when planned with care following all the rules and agreements previously signed, bring us benefits. FESPA planned the enlargement very well, and it will provide more comfort and more business opportunities with more visitors". For Komori, "FESPA Brasil brought its concept of internationals trade shows, offering more exhibitors, information and co-related segments of visual communication".

The event will be host to all the major industry players, as well as providing its unique proposition of high quality educational content. The International Congress will return to cover important market specific themes, and the World Wrap Masters competition will be an emotive feature again.

FESPA Group Exhibition Manager, Michael Ryan, comments "We are delighted with the support we have received to date in Brazil, and this further expansion ensures we can deliver a larger, more comprehensive event in 2015. Our aim is always to inspire the print community and ensure they have access to the latest innovations and industry trends. With more exhibitors and focused educational features, we are confident the show will achieve that, and attendees will be able to explore future print capabilities."

FESPA Brasil, 18-21 March 2015, will take place in the White Hall at the Expo Center Norte, in São Paulo. The event will be held in conjunction with ExpoPrint Digital 2015, the biggest exhibition for narrow format digital printing in Latin America.

To register online for the event, please visit www.fespabrasil.com.br/en/visitar/cadastro.

Epson will showcase its latest range of inkjet large format, dye-sublimation, direct-to-garment, label and proofing printers, and the digital label press  at IPEX 2014 (24th-29th March, ExCel, London). Visitors to the Epson booth (S1-F089) will be able to browse a wide range of new products on show for a wide range of applications spanning proofing, signage, POS, car wraps, décor, textiles for soft signage and apparel, promo products, t-shirts and quality labels.

Over the last two years Epson has launched several new-generation large format SureColor inkjet printers designed to deliver maximum quality, productivity, flexibility and low Total Cost of Ownership. These printers will be demonstrated together at IPEX and include: three 64-inch SureColor SC-S wide format printers; two SureColor SC-F dye-sublimation printers (44 and 64-inch), and the new SureColor SC-F direct-to-garment t-shirt printer.

Following its highly successful appearance at Labelexpo, Epson will also be showing the versatile SurePress L-4033AW digital label press with white ink, and demonstrating colour managed proofing on its flexible Stylus Pro wide format printer.

A variety of high-impact, high-quality and durable POS, signage, and wallpaper graphics will be printed by three 64-inch SureColor SC-S printer models offering a choice of productivities and from 4-10 colours including white and metallic. These SureColor printers will demonstrate cost-effective, high-speed productivity printing onto a range of materials, including vinyl, window film and recyclable stock.

On the booth Epson will display apparel, soft signage and t-shirts, alongside customised giftware, gadgets and décor items to demonstrate the flexibility of the SureColor SC-F6000 and SC-F7000 dye sublimation printers, and the SureColor SC-F2000 direct-to-garment printer. These are the first printers in this sector in which every component, from ink and printhead, to printer chassis and optional accessories, are all designed and manufactured by one company. As a result, quality, performance and reliability are all optimised for maximum productive uptime and profit. These printers use Epson UltraChrome ink, with specially-developed new dye-sublimation and aqueous pigment ink formulations, which produce outstanding images with vibrant colours, intense blacks, sharp contours and smooth gradations.

Online t-shirt shops, production t-shirt printers and copyshops will benefit from the SC-F2000’s revenue-generating features. Epson will demonstrate how users can configure the system to suit their needs by choosing from two sets of CMYK ink for white garments or CMYK with up to four white inks for coloured garments. Combined with high performance, low maintenance and running costs, it enables businesses to offer a new t-shirt design and print service.

Dye sublimation is ideal for printing and transferring scratch-resistant, photographic quality images onto a wide range of polyester-coated substrates which are difficult to print onto directly e.g. aluminium, steel, plastics, MDF boards, ceramic tiles, etc. As a result print service providers can not only expand their range of products, but also develop new creative value-added applications.

Epson will show how exceptional print quality and accurate colour reproduction on a wide variety of standard label substrates can be achieved with the SurePress L-4033AW 7-colour, inkjet digital label press with white ink. High-quality, short-run label printing is made easier and more efficient, even on clear and metallic substrates, which enables label converters and commercial printers the opportunity to expand their service offering and improve profitability.

Phil McMullin, UK Sales Manager, ProGraphics, Epson UK says, “IPEX 2014 is an ideal opportunity for Epson to showcase our latest range of large format, dye-sublimation, direct-to-garment, label and digital proofing printers. There will be something for everyone and visitors to the stand will be inspired by the diverse range of new products on show for a wide range of applications.”