Despite the shock withdrawal of most of the world's biggest print solutions developers Ipex has opened for business, with the show now as much a content event as a techno-fest.

The Ipex organiser has worked overtime to create a content rich week, with some 130 different sessions featuring 230 speakers, in a programme that will take up 80 hours.

Event director Trevor Crawford says, “The world is moving and Ipex is moving with it. This is a brand new concept for a print show, and is as much about learning, discussing, sharing and understanding business development as it is about technology. The two run hand in hand at Ipex 2014.”

Crawford says first day signs are good, with the sessions booked out in most cases. Tomorrow promises to be a highlight with Benny Landa – who pulled his own company out of exhibiting – speaking at the show.

[Related: More Ipex 2014 news]

Also new is the location, the show is back in London after a four-decade stint in Birmingham, with the organisers hoping this will attract extra international visitors.

Crawford says, “Our pre-show data indicates that almost half the Ipex visitors, some 47 per cent, will come from outside the UK, which is very pleasing.

Among the exhibitors to make an early statement Konica Minolta, which has the biggest stand, says it will reach outside its traditional market with a host of new technologies for new applications including labels and packaging. Its newly acquired print partner MGI launched, or previewed no less than five new print and finish solutions.

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