Page 50 - Print 21 Sep-Oct 2019

PrintEx
PrintEx was the big event in ANZ print this year. Over the following 20 pages Print21 brings you the major technology developments and launches. Reporting straight from the Homebush aisles
are Wayne Robinson, Patrick Howard, and Jake Nelson.
PrintEx19 delivers value
to 5000 Aussie and Kiwi printers
PrintEx19, Visual Impact, and the Label & Packaging Expo had plenty for both the visitors who made time to attend, and for exhibitors who transacted millions of dollars
in sales at the show.
The year’s leading B2B show for print,
sign, display, labels and packaging saw 120 suppliers exhibit over some 6,000sqm of exhibition space at the Sydney Showground.
The organisers said the showcase included something for everyone, from automation and workflows, to product verification, AR innovations, digital, wide-format and 3D printers, automated booklet production, media and substrates, flexible packaging and labelling solutions, textiles and DTG technologies.
Offset presses were missing – it is simply too expensive these days to get heavy metal on the floor, and there is not enough time to get them up and running and down again. Digital presses took centre stage, and there were plenty of orders being taken at the show.
The focus for exhibitors was applications, which was appreciated by the printers
coming through the doors. The HP booth won the stand of the show award, and this reflected the application focus, with the booth having separate areas showing off applications such as packaging and textiles.
The PrintEx Forum Series – including a dedicated Label & Packaging Show programme – delivered a valuable complement to the expo, kicking off each morning with Business@Breakfast and featuring a range of masterclasses, panel sessions, and workshops.
Proceeds from the breakfast sessions, together with the auction at the 36th National Print Awards of a painting completed at PrintEx19 by artist James Patrick, also raised funds for the show’s two charities of choice: $4,415 to Man Anchor and $2,815 to Share the Dignity.
While overall visitor numbers at the show were some 15 per cent down on 2015 – just over 5000 visitors attended this year – Visual Connections CEO Peter Harper says the figures were only a little below expectations, particularly given the
Above
Hot topic: Mick Harrold (far right) leads the panel on fire safety for signs at PrintEx
Left
Open for business: PrintEx saw plenty of orders being signed, with Forest Print one of those ordering new kit at the show
continuing consolidation of the industry over the past four years.
“Predicting visitor numbers, particularly in this sector, is always difficult, but we’re satisfied with the attendances – except, perhaps, from the sign and display sector where numbers were down significantly, a great pity given the show was full of solutions for this market,” he remarks.
Aisles seemed less busy; however, it should be noted that exhibitors requested an extra day be added to this show, so the spread of visitors across four days, rather than three, may have played into a perception that numbers were down. The steady stream did, however, deliver less wait time and more relaxed discussions on stands – something remarked upon by both visitors and exhibitors.
PrintEx Chair Jeremy Brew confirmed that crowds were, as usual, dominated by business owners, CEOs, MDs and senior management, intent on maximising the opportunity to negotiate deals – and negotiate they did, with business transacted at the show expected to run well into the millions of dollars.
“PrintEx19 lived up to its reputation
as a decision makers’ show, with industry decision makers taking advantage of the opportunity to make new connections, discuss options with the experts, and get a handle on trends – all vital factors in making important investment decisions,” Brew says.
And, while feedback so far has been positive, the real measure of the show’s success will not be seen for some time, he points out.
“The real value in a show like PrintEx is that businesses leave better equipped to plan their future with confidence and continue to build the success of our vibrant and exciting industry,” Brew says. “That’s what makes
for a successful show – and we believe it was delivered during PrintEx19.” 21
50 Print21 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019