The IPIA’s first physical event in two years, it is supported by the trade body’s sister association, the BAPC, and will be held at the Warwickshire town’s Crowne Plaza on Thursday 2 December.

The Expo will run from 11am to 3pm, with a networking lunch taking place at 12.30pm, and will be followed by the IPIA chairman’s address.

Confirmed exhibitors for the event include Antalis, Canon, Fujifilm, HP, Konica Minolta, Premier Paper, Route 1 Print, Xerox, Imprint MIS, Tharstern, Vivid and Vpress, among others. Printweek will also be present, on stand 14.

“This is a real chance for printers to not only generate new print volumes for their business by meeting buyers at the networking lunch, but also bring themselves up to date with new technology and media at the Expo that could make a significant difference to their efficiency, productivity and the value they can deliver to customers,” said IPIA general manager Brendan Perring.

A champagne reception will precede the three-course Gala dinner, which begins at 7pm, with the Recognising Excellence Awards presented from 9pm. An evening of live entertainment will then be headlined by band Hypersonix.

“Whether you can only come to the Expo and networking lunch, or are able to stay on for the Gala dinner, we can promise you it will be a very valuable use of your time. I would urge anyone who hasn’t yet booked to do so, sooner rather than later, to avoid disappointment,” Perring added.

“Traditionally the IPIA participates in or hosts some ten business events a year, but this is our first in-person event for almost two years. Having spoken to many members, it’s fair to say we’ve all missed the human interaction and sense of community and sociability that emanates from our industry. I think that is why this event is proving so popular with printers and suppliers.”

He added: “To remain competitive, you need to understand how technology and the market is evolving, while continuously generating a new pipeline of customers. This event will give printers the chance to do both.”

Tickets for the Expo and the daytime networking lunch are £12 for IPIA/BAPC members and £14.40 for non-members.

There are limited spaces left for the evening Gala dinner, while the packages including overnight accommodation at the Crowne Plaza have now sold out – but Perring said given the venue’s central location in Stratford-Upon-Avon, there are a wide range of nearby hotel options that delegates could book.

For further information, and to book tickets, visit: bit.ly/expogala21.