The event was orgainsed and hosted by the country’s biggest and best read print title Australian Printer and Rudi Barth, Messe Düsseldorf’s representative in Australia.
At the Roadshow, Manuel Mataré, drupa project director gave visitors a run down on what to expect at the next year’s show being held throughout 19 massive halls at Messe Düsseldorf.
He says, “The industry has recently faced some challenging times and many things have changed since the last show. Not only is it a place for you to meet with friends and colleagues, it’s a place to see the latest technology to help make your business more competitive.”
During his light hearted presentation Mataré joked that the favourable exchange rate was another incentive for Australian printers to attend the 2012 show. He says, “Right now the exchange rate is a bargain so take advantage of that. Remember the price of one beer here, can get you three in Germany.”
Also during the proceedings the biggest prize ever given in the Australian print industry was presented to Grant Cunningham, general manager of Allprint Graphics who received – courtesy of Australian Printer – a free return airline ticket to Germany on Lufthansa, and three nights hotel accommodation at the show.
Cunningham says, “I think the show is really keeping up with all the technological developments in the industry. I’ve been to two drupa’s before so next year will be my third; I’m looking forward to my visit as it’s always a good value show.”
Roadshow delegates heard from Steve Dunwell, managing director of manroland Australasia who gave a realistic, yet positive presentation on the future of offset print.
He says, “Packaging and catalogues are growing markets throughout the world, print is alive and well in both of these categories. Other print such as magazines and newspapers has a new set of challenges but through the right investment in new technology these can be overcome.”
Meanwhile, Sturt Eastwood, general manager, graphic systems and CloudNET at Fujifilm Australia told visitors not to shy away from unfamiliar technology but take a closer look at how it can benefit their business.
He says, “The question a lot of printers should be asking is how they can position themselves as a marketing communications provider, not just the guy who does the leaflets. Have a look at the solutions outside the print shop and at how they can benefit your business.”
Theo Pettaras, managing director of Digitalpress spoke on the possibilities of digital, but warned printers to be careful with their investments.
He says, “I think if you’re innovative you can make a lot of money, but sometimes you can be innovative just for the sake of it so this is where you need to be careful.
“With digital print technology you can do almost anything. It’s not rocket science you just need to collaborate with designers and the customer to create something really engaging.”
Also talking digital, Kathy Wilson, General Manager of Business Solutions & Production at Ricoh Australia told visitors there has been 41 per cent growth in Australia’s digital print market since 2007.
She says, “All these topics which have been rattling around the industry for some time now such as: short run, on demand, personalisation and transpromo. These are now really beginning to evolve.
“One thing is to make sure you stay ahead of the curb, to stay competitive and profitable you need to be able to offer things that the customer can’t do themselves”
The Roadshow heads to Melbourne today and over the ditch to Auckland on Friday.
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