Page 16 - Print21 Magazine March April 2021

Events
that the show will be able to welcome visitors in a safe and effective manner, and will in fact draw on the experience of the last few months to deliver improvements.
“We’ll need to adapt, of course,
but as we’ve seen in so many other aspects of life, a steady resolve coupled with a good dose of flexibility and creativity can create outstanding outcomes,” Harper told us, “and in many ways I think this sets PacPrint up for some positive changes.”
“There are few places safer
or better to hold an event than Australia, and Melbourne, in particular, is perhaps more aware and more versed in Covid-safe procedures than anywhere. We have been working closely with the MCEC team to ensure Covid-safe protocols and procedures are firmly in place.”
The design of the show will change slightly, he says, with wider aisles
and generally more space provided to allow for social distancing – as well
as the implementation of some of the familiar protocols and procedures we’ve seen in retail and other settings.
“The registration and visitor identification process with which PacPrint visitors are familiar – barcoded entry tickets which are scanned on entry – will also play
an important role, allowing stand- holders to scan visitor’s tickets to provide even more targeted tracking of visitor movements within the expo hall,” Harper adds.
While international travel may still be limited – with the exception of
the expected two-way travel bubble with New Zealand, and perhaps some other near neighbours – Harper expects the only impact to be a greater prevalence of real-time video- conferencing and virtual elements.
“We are working on a number
of new ideas which will allow the participation of off-site experts and thought leaders, both for exhibitor presentations and for the PacPrint Forum Series seminar and workshop programme,” he confirms.
Suppliers on board
Harper’s confidence is echoed by the response of suppliers, with exhibition space filling steadily
and many leading names already indicating that they will have new product releases and offerings on show at the MCEC.
Leading the charge, as they
have for a number of years, will be Currie Group and HP, who will both take sizeable stands at the show. Quadient – formerly Neopost – will also take one of the show’s largest stands, Fujifilm and Fuji Xerox
will bring together their combined offerings, and Konica Minolta will again put together a sizeable display.
The growing list illustrates the diversity of the show’s offering,
with Roland DG, Multicam, Hexis, Europoles, Mimaki, Mutoh and Aldus sitting alongside names including Screen, Hilton Laminating, Elizabeth Machines, Velflex, Bőttcher, Graph- Pak, CERM, Quote & Print Software,
Above
Minipack International, Print IQ Australia, Colour Graphic Services, Esko, Ferag and Wilenco.
“We’re excited to see the way the show is shaping up, and looking forward to providing industry businesses with the latest trends and technologies first-hand and the connections with the people who can help them shape their businesses in one of the most challenging times we have ever experienced,” Harper says.
PacPrint 2021 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 28 September to 1 October. The latest information is on the PacPrint website, while those wanting to exhibit should call Peter Harper and the events team on 02 9868 1577, or contact exhibitons@ visualconnections.org.au. 21
At the 1996 PakPrint, the Sicpa Goss universal shook the ceiling of
the car park underneath the MCEC
so violently when it was printing the PakPrint daily newspaper that pieces
of concrete fell off. The building managers requested it not run again. Pic courtesy
A McCourt
16 Print21 MARCH/APRIL 2021