The lunch, which will once again be held at The Bank Restaurant in Birmingham, aims to bring printers and print buyers together to create new contacts and generate new business.
Around 73 companies, including corporate print buyers, print managers, creative agencies, printers, paper companies, machinery manufacturers and marketing agencies, have booked seats at the event.
Among those confirming their attendance so far are firms such as Communisis, Intelligent Finishing Systems, Konica Minolta, Mercian Labels, Sunline Direct, The Packaging Partnership and The Ryedale Group.
IPIA chief executive Andrew Pearce said the event had attracted a lot of new businesses this year with 40% of delegates not having attended before. "That is really useful because it keeps things fresh and helps those who attend regularly to make new contacts."
He added that the number of companies that had reserved seats for the event were in line with the same time last year and anticipated that final numbers would be around 90.
The event, which is being run in partnership with the DMA, includes a three course meal preceded and rounded-off by drinks. All delegates receive a copy of the guest list prior to the event and are able to request to move tables for the desert and coffee course to maximise networking opportunities.
Pearce said: "It’s really helpful for our delegates to be able to request a table move because it enables them to really target who they want to talk to. If that means they come away with five or six sound contacts and they can convert one or two of them then it has been incredibly worthwhile for them."
He added: "We live in a world where it is entirely possible to do business for quite a while without ever meeting people but making contacts through these kinds of events leads to a much deeper and long-term relationship."
Delegates will also hear from guest speaker Sue Beardsmore, BBC broadcaster and journalist, who will give a humorous insight into her recent experiences of managing change and training communication skills.
Those wishing to attend should contact info@ipia.org.uk
