Yes, these shows can be expensive to put on but many people are not in the luxurious position to have a travel budget and find Ipex a real opportunity. So, in response, I have produced a set of more targeted reasons why certain groups need to be at the event.

For a start, business owners would be mad not to be there. Fundamentally the industry is changing and there are many new technologies emerging that they need to know about. Where better to get an overview in two days and to give themselves thinking time to consider the options?

Among the must-see features are high-speed inkjet, MIS, automated estimating and on-line costing, training and consultancy, cloud-based computing and of course at this time, financial services experts will be there.

Web offset managers should be there to take cost out of the supply chain by eradicating proofing. There is also likely to be some impressive makeready and machine automation developments.

It would also be worth taking time to listen to some of the speakers and their subjects.

Makeready and plate-change
Sheetfed managers and printers should also be looking out for fast makeready products as well as simultaneous plate-change technology.

There will be some digital presses that, in a few years, will erode the sheetfed market, so it would definitely be worth seeing them. Metallic ink systems and inline foiling and digital spot UV products will also be worth a look.
Obviously the new inkjet technology that was shown at Drupa will be more robust and out of the lab, so digital printers will have plenty to look at. Some exciting finishing solutions, particularly inline on digital presses, are beginning to show themselves.

Elsewhere niche markets are definitely worth investigating, because there are some superb digital applications, such as printed electrical circuits, polymers, medical and photo products.

I am afraid wide-format guys will have a lot of walking to do: it isn't Fespa. But take a look at large-format litho, as well as the digital products because, in certain markets, it is highly appropriate. Hybrid screen and digital will also certainly have applications for some display companies.

The world is changing and Ipex is the perfect venue to go and see what else is out there for machine operators. Seek out training organisations and see what is available and it is definitely worth finding the experts on your machine's
manufacturer's stand to tell them what bugs you most - they will appreciate the input and you may learn how to fix it.
Marketers and customers should find a supplier that can give them a tour. New ideas and substrates will be on show, alongside effects, metallics, varnishes and samples.

Application updates, marketing systems and campaign and asset management companies all are at the show so look out for them. Elsewhere many presentations in the theatre will give you further thoughts and ideas of areas to investigate.
Suppliers are there anyway. Painful as it is, they should make the most of it by encouraging the less knowledgeable to their stand to inform them of what the company offers. But, don't forget to get around the show, don't stay on your booth the full show. Too often many don't venture out to see what rivals and other companies have to offer.

Although the list is not exhaustive, I hope this helps give you justification to go, and hopefully I will see you there.

John Charnock is the managing director of Print Research International