The tenth edition of PrintPack India 2011 transpires at a crucial time for the print industry. What is the welcome message for print fraternity readers and visitors alike?
The tenth edition of PrintPack India 2011 will provide an excellent opportunity to the manufacturers of graphic arts equipment to provide a one-stop shop for all global requirements related to printing, packaging, converting in all segments. Besides these exhibitors can have a free and frank exchange of technology and joint-ventures with overseas manufacturers. For visitors it will prove to be a breathtaking event as they will witness live demos of a variety of machines.

IPAMA expected more than 450 exhibitors from India and overseas. What is the confirmed numbers to-date and – how many would add to the last minute dash?
PrintPack India 2011 has surpassed all previous records. We have already accommodated 307 participants. Over  100 participants are on the waiting list. Hall 2 to 12A are fully packed and we are in the process of creating hangars to accommodate participants who are waiting. We are exploring possibilities of alloting space on the mezzanine floor in Hall Number 6.

Touted as the biggest print trade shown in India, how will the Indian manufacturers benefit from this exhibition?
Well, I take the word ‘touted’ in good humour. The reality is, PrintPack India from day one in 1993 when it was inaugurated, has established itself as the biggest show not only in India but in this part of Asia.

There has been fair amount of reluctance from big vendors in putting up machines due to lack of proper facilities in handling logistics of the machines. What has Ipama done to address this concern?
IPAMA as the co-organiser of this massive show has never had any issues relating to logistics in any of our pervious events. The logistics have never been an issue as all the handling agents are equipped to provide all necessary cranes and forklifts etc for safe movement of exhibits. If any participant has had an experienced to the contrary we will be grateful if the same is brought to our notice.

Don’t you agree that ITPO and organisers of such a niche and huge trade show need to upgrade their infrastructure handling logistics with international shows conducted in Birmingham, Dusseldorf and even Beijing?
No doubt upgradation is a constant and continuous process. The recently held Commonwealth Games contributed to some upgradations in a couple of halls and rest-rooms. But we are confident that display and other ambience is being spruced up. I’m sure it’ll match some of the international shows – just wait and watch.

How has the show dispersed for visitors for segments like printing, packaging, converting, signage and display, digital, automation, integrated production workflow among others?
The entire show has no separate segments as such but we have a healthy mix-of pre-press, in-press, post-press, signage, digital and converting spread over all the exhibition area – so that the visitors get to see all the segments.

Any attempt to engage the mainstream media - and invite print buyers to the show?
Mainstream media doesn’t need a special invitation to the show as they are a part and parcel of the print industry. We feel, they are always there to take stock of the latest and the best trends in printing.

Are there any special arrangements for technical seminars or sessions concurrent at the show? If yes, can you highlight the same?
There are no technical seminars being organised as part of the show. Individual participants may be arranging seminars and workshops and special events.

What about facilities like information kiosks, internet hubs and even transport and parking arrangements for exhibitors and visitors?
There are information kiosks spread all over in Pragati Maidan. Besides this, each hall has been provided with a hall master and hostesses to provide information and guide the visitors. There is a regular shuttle-service from the main entry gates to the halls and even from the Delhi Metro station within Pragati Maidan. There is enough parking space for both exhibitors and visitors. The business centre and internet hub will be available in the VIP lounge.

What will be the USP of Printpack India 2011? What are the targets for Printpack India 2013 announced by IPAMA?
Let me tell you that IPAMA is not in the selling business. During PrintPack India, we narrate to the industry what happened in the previous shows and what we are targeting for the next show. It is a team of dedicated members and our participants who are always responsible for the successes and growth of PrintPack India over the past years. The show sells on its own merely due its past successes.

What is your target?
We try to bring all the manufacturing community of
the graphic arts machinery and equipment under one forum. We want to showcase to the world, the Indian brand of products which are cost-effective and economical. It is in this sense, we believe, PrintPack India 2013 will have as many as 500 participants. Also, it will have a larger participation of overseas manufactures – as the whole world is looking at India as being the most potential marketplace.