Here’s what I learned about the ExCel centre during yesterday’s Olympics-based visit, with specific reference to learnings for Ipex 2014. That area of London’s docklands still feels like a strange hinterland, but at least there are more options for getting to and from it now. The new Emirates Air Line cable car across the Thames is FANTASTIC and worth noting for those looking for hotel options reachable via public transport. That said, it’s an extra cost so careful examination of the fare structure is advised. Having a single event taking over the whole ExCel centre is a great opportunity to really own the space in terms of branding. Ipex owner Informa needs to ensure there’s a suitable amount in the budget to do just that, it will look great if they get it right. An example being this mass of London 2012 banners in the central boulevard, and the graphics at the hall entrances to different event areas. As with all large-scale events, there was a great deal of schlepping about to be done, so some sort of in-venue version of a hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus wouldn’t go amiss. They had funny little open-sided multi-seat vehicles zipping around transporting athletes and officials yesterday. There was a pretty good selection of food outlets and food options, although it’s no surprise to find some fairly extortionate pricing. However, I can highly recommend the chicken tikka wrap at Mint Leaves. Hopefully this food franchise will still be there come 2014. All the London 2012 staff involved, from shepherding visitors in the right direction, the security checks, helping with random questions about “where do I find...?” and shepherding people out again at the end, were unfailingly friendly and polite. Again, worth considering having some Ipex 2014 happy helpers dotted about the place. And of course, before Ipex comes around we’ll have a chance to see how Fespa brands its ExCel space come next summer. Am relying on both expos to show off off the power of print to its best advantage.