"We’re delighted with the response from exhibitors and visitors to the new format. Pre-registration is going really well, and there’s a strong interest in the packaging sector and that is definitely reflected in visitor demographics," said North Print & Pack 2013 sales manager Mary Buck.

As well as "very strong" pre-registered visitor numbers, the show has also been buoyed by confirmed exhibitors increasing their stand spaces in recent weeks. Konica Minolta has increased its stand size by 20% to 162sqm and GMG has increased its space for the second time, more than doubling its initial booking to 31.5sqm.

Autobond has also increased its presence to accommodate two extra UK debuts, the Micro 52 SD TP and 52 SUV, its entry-level laminator with inline digital spot UV, and the Micro 52 MF thermal laminator, which was launched at Drupa last year.

According to Buck, while the show’s broader focus, which includes packaging and cross media for the first time, has been welcomed by exhibitors, Informa’s decision to beef up the event’s ‘educational’ value with three seminar streams featured in its Knowledge Centre appears to have had a similar effect on visitor pre-regs.

The ‘New Printing Landscape’ stream is focussed on developments in commercial print, with a range of speakers discussing the latest trends and cross media developments. Topics will range from ‘how digital print is revolutionising consumer behaviour’ through to securing finance. With speakers including PODi’s Tony Hogson, Communisis managing director Gurdev Singh and Peter Lancaster of Documobi.

The Packaging Theatre will offer a series of seminars aimed at packaging converters and commercial printers looking to expand their packaging activities.

Finally, Nick Devine, also known as ‘The Print Coach’, will reprise his appearance in 2011 across the three days of the Harrogate show by sharing his insights into how printers can boost sales, boost profits and grow their businesses in even the most challenging sectors.

New for 2013 will also be the S’Print speed networking event, where registered delegates will be able to expand their business networks with short, relevant discussions have the chance to network with relevant buyers or printers. The 30-minute S’Print sessions will run from 10.30am on Tuesday 14 May.

To register your interest in the S’Print sessions, visit here.

North Print & Pack runs from 14 to 16 May at the Harrogate International Centre.