The initial plan is that the show, to be held from 4-11 April 2006, will form a rectangular footprint around the Piazza on the south side of the NEC, which will host Ipex for the seventh time.

IIR Exhibitions hopes this configuration will offer a more compact exhibition, reducing the distances between halls.

IIR has so far secured 11 halls (1-10 and 3a), totalling 78,000m, but has an option to take more as required.

Development and refurbishment planned for halls 1 to 5 will provide upgraded electrical and IT infrastructure for exhibiting large machinery.

IIR has also arranged staggered build-up and breakdown periods.

Over 80% of the companies that exhibited at Ipex 2002 have submitted forms requesting space at the 2006 show, added IIR.

This years show attracted 65,541 visitors, just over 70% of the 1998 total, and ran over nine days.