Described by current IPIA chairman, and soon to be president, Graeme Smith as the association’s “jewel in the crown”, the event will take place at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon on 1 December. Changes to the IPIA Council leadership will also take effect the same day.
“It’s where like-minded print professionals regroup at the close of the year and explore future collaborations and discuss best practice and issues,” said Smith.
“Print is a dynamic industry that changes rapidly, and we all need to be agile, maximise our relevance and capture every opportunity in this increasingly digital world. Print needs to carve through the noise, and all the elements of Recognising Excellence shows print shouting through, loud and proud.”
The Expo and Business Networking Hub will run from 11am to 3.30pm, with a pause for a networking lunch and the IPIA chairman’s address.
The Gala Dinner begins with a champagne reception at 7pm and, at 9pm, winners of the Recognising Excellence Awards will be announced, followed by a night of live entertainment.
The IPIA’s ‘Stand-up Bingo’ to raise money for The Printing Charity will be held during dinner, while live music from The Compilation and dancing will conclude the evening’s proceedings.
The AGM, which takes place the same day at 3.30pm, will see a new president, chairman, and vice chairman take over at the top.
The incoming chair, Charles Rogers of Portland Media, said he is looking forward to taking up his new role and continuing the good work achieved in developing the association.
“The last seven years have seen huge changes with how the IPIA engages with members, sponsors, and our industry. Having now gained a trusted association at government through BEIS, we can continue to direct critical messages to those who can help vocalise our causes to those ministers who create the policies affecting us all.
“We have worked hard to strengthen IPIA events, and I will endeavour to expand them, as well as encourage the Council to create ways of reaching out to new members and sponsors.
“As our profile continues to rise, I will also reach out to other key trade bodies and associations to collaborate on projects for the betterment of the wider print industry and all those who work within it.”
Incoming vice-chair, Alasdair Browne of Abbot Print, described the IPIA’s new system of subcommittees as providing a drive and focus to the benefit of members.
“One example I have been involved with is the Research Subcommittee, which looks to transfer to the print industry ‘intelligence gathering’ methods more usual in other fields, that we can use to educate print buying markets effectively about the power and effectiveness of print.
“Others like Innovation and Sustainability are investigating issues that are clearly important to all members and I look forward to supporting my fellow Council members in my new role.”
Outgoing president Mike Roberts will remain “on the ‘back benches’ with my fellow Council members, supporting accordingly”. He said it had been “outstanding” to see the IPIA flourish over his term as president, and paid tribute to the efforts of the IPIA Executive, headed by general manager Brendan Perring.
Tickets to the Recognising Excellence event start with a daytime pass and lunch at the Expo and Business Networking Hub, rising to a complete package including overnight accommodation and breakfast.
Further details and pricing are available at: ipia.org.uk/recognising-excellence/.
