Page 5 - Print 21 Sep-Oct 2019

Window into the Future
‘It’s always tricky to predict actual numbers, especially in this sector, but we’re satisfied with the number of businesses who took time out to
visit the show and with the positive feedback we’ve received so far,”
he said, acknowledging that spreading the show over four days, rather than three, may have played into a perception that numbers were down.
“We had a steady flow of traffic, rather than the mad rush some of us remember, but that also delivers some benefits in the form of more contact time and less waiting on stands – so it’s definitely something we’ll consider again in future.”
If anything, Harper says the most noticeable lack of numbers was from the sign and display sector, perhaps due to competition from both the PrintEx and Label & Packaging Expo brands this year.
“This is regrettable, particularly as the show was in fact bursting with solutions which are of vital interest to this market – from wide-format and textile printing, to LED and illuminated signage, vehicle wraps and more,” he says.
The crowds were, as usual, dominated by ‘decision-makers’ – business owners, CEOs, MDs and senior management – all intent on maximising
the opportunity to see and compare investment options, and to negotiate deals. The red SOLD stickers which multiplied as the days passed were testament to this, with overall business transacted expected to total in the multiple millions.
Happily, the show also hosted a good number of students, many of whom were connected to the show via Visual Connections’ partnership with Re-Engineering Australia (REA), an organisation which connects students with industry to encourage them to consider skilled trades as a career option.
“Addressing skills shortages and encouraging young people to consider a career in our sector is one of our most important roles, and expos like PrintEx are the ideal opportunity for them to see just what our industry can offer,” Harper says.
Of course, attendance at exhibitions requires an investment of time and energy – but PrintEx Chair, HP’s Jeremy Brew, says the ROI is there, with expos remaining one of the most effective ways for industry decision makers to make new connections, discuss investment options with the experts, and get a handle on trends.
“The ability to see, touch and feel what’s new, all under the one roof, to explore new solutions and – ironically – to take ‘take time out’ for the learning and reflection which can be so challenging in the busy-ness of day-to-day life, is what makes the expo opportunity unique,” he says.
As for accomplishing its objectives, Brew says more information will be available as the analysis continues – but so far, he rates it a success.
“The real measure of value will be that businesses have gone away from the show better equipped to ‘Step Into the Future’ with confidence and continue to build the success of our vibrant and exciting industry,”
he says. “That’s what makes for a successful show – and we believe it was delivered during PrintEx19.”
SILVER
PRESENTED BY