As PrintWeek went to press it wasnt willing to make predictions and pre-registration was open until Thursday 4 April.

But what is certain is that the 15-hall show, which opens at 9.30am on Tuesday (9 April) and closes at 4pm on 17 April, will have 5,000m2 more floorspace at 80,000m2, and 1,200-plus exhibitors from at least 34 countries.

Show owner Picon and organiser IIR Exhibitions have also decided to hold a service of thanksgiving for the Queen Mothers life at 11.30am on the opening day of the exhibition, 9 April.

The Queen Mothers funeral is on the same day.

As PrintWeek went to press it was unclear whether the government would declare the day a national holiday.

But exhibition director Caroline Eden said IIR would "adapt our plans accordingly" for any special arrangements.

PrintWeek will be producing the Ipex Daily at the show (hall 9, stand 650).

Story by Gordon Carson