Ipex 2002 will be 10% larger than Ipex 98, according to organiser IIR, which said last week that it expects to have close to 2,000 firms exhibiting in April.

Over 1,000 firms, including those sharing stands with related suppliers, have already signed up.

IIR also claimed the show would be a more international event than previously.

"Were seeing an increase in support from international companies headquarters, who are viewing Ipex in the same light as Drupa," said IIR managing director Caroline Eden. "Its a key sign that its being seen as an international show."

IIR and the shows owner, Picon, have rebuffed the idea that it will be hit by the state of the economy, and said it should instead be seen as a spur to improved business confidence.

"I believe Ipex will act as a catalyst to revive confidence," said Picon chief executive John Brazier. "It is a chance to see the massive commitment made by suppliers to the future. A visit to Ipex will give firms confidence to go forward."

Key to the success of the show will be IIRs marketing campaign for Ipex 2002, which it claimed was the biggest yet for any graphic arts trade show. At the heart of the campaign is its website, www.ipex.org. Online visitor registration has recently gone live along with visitor details and news (PrintWeek, 26 October).

Alongside Ipex itself are five specialist sectors and events: Converflex@Ipex; PrintCity; Xeroxs Future Print Now; Upex; and on 15 and 16 April print and publishing careers event Vision will run in the Atrium of the NEC.

Story by Barney Cox