Mention creativity to most people and they are likely to start thinking about the arts: music, paintings, literature, etc. Mention creativity in a print context, and the graphic arts naturally spring to mind.

But the fact is print, as a medium and an industry, is rich in creativity in all sorts of ways; whether that’s innovative use of data and AI in the production of a direct mail campaign; or building a brand image that reflects the values that your clients hold dear; or using a familiar substrate in a new way to create something unique; or developing a new material or technology to help reduce our impact on the environment.

All these forms of creativity – and more besides – will be discussed at this year’s Power of Print seminar, to be held at Stationers’ Hall on 5 November.

That the event should fall on Fireworks Day may be coincidental, but it’s also quite apt: print’s ability to put on a dazzling display, to sparkle and shine, and to stand out give it a unique place in an increasingly digital media marketplace.

“Print has always played an essential communications role. Even in the current landscape, the power of print remains unassailable, and this year’s seminar will highlight the opportunities, and indeed challenges, for print in this ever-changing world,” says Jonathan Tame, managing director of Two Sides.

Tame says the event has become a must-attend occasion for leaders in the industry and that it will highlight the opportunities and challenges for print and paper packaging in our changing world, particularly with regard to the need for sustainability. Tame adds that it will appeal particularly to those looking for ideas, inspiration and thought leadership. Attendees will be able to discuss the topics presented with upwards of 150 industry leaders.

The event, now in its 14th year, is hosted by Two Sides, the print and paper advocacy organisation, and the BPIF, alongside partners Canon, Fedrigoni, 140-year-strong printer Hobbs, and, of course, Printweek.

An impressive lineup of 11 speakers have been announced for the one-day event, providing a wide range of perspectives on the industry. There will be networking opportunities throughout the day, during which speakers and attendees can mingle, as well as a drinks reception afterwards. In his annual review, BPIF CEO Charles Jarrold will provide a run-down on the current economic, political and technological challenges facing the printing and packaging industries.

Highlights

Under the headline ‘Creatives.Love. Print.’ Justin Cairns from storied advertising and marketing firm Ogilvy UK, will hail print’s tactile nature, which, in an increasingly digital world, enables communication to stand out from the crowd. Cairns will point out that print has become more exciting in the media landscape and is valued by creatives due to its unique characteristics as “print gets customers’ hands on, not just thumbs on”.

Long-standing environmental campaigner Jonathon Porritt will outline the potential economic impact of climate change, with fears that demand for wood fibre will soar in the coming years. He says: “A proper understanding of the economic consequences of this crisis is still remarkably rare, even in industries absolutely on the front line of what is happening. Those who get ahead of this disruptive transformation will prosper.”

Mathew Faulkner, Canon’s head of marketing and innovation for wide-format, will present the results of Canon’s research into what the latest consumer behaviours and technology advances could mean for the future of print businesses. He will explore how these challenges can be turned into practical actions, empowering both print businesses and brand owners to remove barriers to growth and unlock new opportunities.

It will be a busy day with lots to learn and digest. Attendees should come away with plenty of ideas around how to better pop, fizz and sparkle as a printing business. So: remember, remember, the fifth of November...

Speaker summaries

09:55 Welcome, Jonathan Tame, Two Sides

10:00 State of the market and what lies ahead for 2025, Charles Jarrold, BPIF

10:15 The power to move - insights from beyond the print industry, Mathew Faulkner, Canon

10:45 Creatives. Love. Print. Justin Cairns, Ogilvy UK

11:15 Tea break and networking

11:45 Creativity, measurement, effectiveness: how mail can help performance marketing turn the tide, Rachel Aldighieri, DMA

12:15 The story behind Tony’s Chocolonely, Keshini Dodhia, Tony’s Chocolonely

12:45 Lunch

14:00 Paper packaging – what lies ahead, Neil Osment, Noa

14:15 People in print, Kate Hulley, Belmont Packaging

14:45 The future role of packaging, James Pryor, Touch

15:15 Tea break and networking

15:45 The economic impacts of the climate crisis, Jonathon Porritt CBE, Green Futures

16:15 The Absolut paper bottle journey, Elin Furelid, The Absolut Company

16:45 Two Sides and Love Paper campaigns, Jonathan Tame, Two Sides

17:15 Drinks reception & networking. Ends at 19:30

For full details of speaker topics, visit www.powerofprint.info.