With neither of the big Hs, the other being HP, set to make an appearance at Excel in two years’ time the impact this will have on wavering exhibitors and ultimately visitor footfall has the potential to be dramatic.

Both companies have cited strategic reasons for not participating, in essence that the big global opportunities are moving away from western Europe. While this does ring true, ultimately the cost of exhibiting has to be another key factor. They’re both having a tough time and the simple economics of investing in another event  after Drupa based on a continent mired in financial crisis just didn’t stack up.

But Ipex’s international credentials are beyond reproach, with almost 50% of its 50,000 visitors coming from overseas. Of course, in global terms, Ipex is dwarfed by Drupa, but that’s not the point. The shows are supposed to complement each other not compete – although if the rumours prove true and Drupa does move to a three year cycle, that could change.

No one can argue that the Ipex team haven’t had a pretty depressing summer, but all the show needs is a couple of big exhibitor signings and all will be right(ish) with the world.

Then the show can concentrate on creating the compelling visitor proposition it did in 2010, because if the show can pull in the crowds in the middle of a global recession, then doing the same in 2014 will hopefully be a walk in the park, even without 2010’s crowd pleasers on the show floor.