The doors to PrintEx15 have swung open to an expected 7000 attendees as the major three-day trade show gets underway in Sydney.
The 14,000sqm floor is packed with suppliers hocking production printers to MIS systems and trade printing services, with plenty of product launches and new technology on display.
Major digital manufacturers including HP, Canon, Fuji Xerox, Konica Minolta, and Ricoh, occupy the biggest stands under the Sydney Showgrounds done, displaying the rush of new cutsheet digital printers released over the past year.
Offset manufacturers KBA, manroland, and Komori (via Ferrostaal) will have a presence, but as with previous years will not be showcasing a press on the exhibition floor.
Heidelberg is conspicuously absent, as is Cyber, citing the set-up time allowed as not enough to get a press up and running.
[Related: More PrintEx15 news]
Wide format suppliers including EFI, Roland DG, Epson, DES, Screen, Celmac, and Starleaton are all there showing off the similarly crowded market with plenty of machines launched in the past year.
Software companies are out in force, with Optimus, Objectif Lune, Workflowz, printIQ, Pent Net, and Tharstern all demonstrating new workflow, MIS, and web-to-print systems.
Finally, PrintEx will also run a series of industry forums designed to address the future challenges of the print industry.
PrintEx15 chairman Phillip Rennell says there will be a host of ideas to help businesses improve efficiency, add value to products, and expand their offering into new and profitable areas.
“I think it’s a pretty pivotal time, not just in the print and related industries, but across the whole market and economy,” he says.
“We’ve come through a very tough time, but I really believe that the tide has turned with the economy stabilising and opportunities opening up for print businesses to capitalise on the changing communications landscape.
“Now, more than in the previous couple of years, there is starting to be a much wider recognition of the real advantages that print offers, and a recognition that print can play a vital role in the new multi-channel world.”
Rennell says there are plenty of highlights on the show floor with the opportunity to see and compare solutions from the market leaders.
“Often, however, it’s the unexpected and informal aspects of the show which turn out to be the biggest highlights. It’s the little stand you discover which gives you an idea you’d not previously considered,” he says.
“A new business contact you make who turns out to be an invaluable resource for your business. Or simply the chance to catch up with colleagues and friends as you move around the show.”
PrintEx15 runs until Friday afternoon and is followed by the 2015 National Print Awards at the nearby Waterview Hotel.
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter