Print is feeling the crunch from advertising and marketing budgets being slashed. There’s talk around the industry that some exhibitors would rather postpone, or even cancel, PacPrint next year to rid themselves of the expense. Some have commented that May next year is the wrong time to hold a major print exhibition in the region.

I beg to differ. I think it’s the perfect time for PacPrint to go ahead, as a show of solidarity for starters, but much more than that. Sure, it’s very expensive for exhibitors to bring together an engaging stand of technology, and accompanying staff. It’s also very expensive for visitors, especially from interstate and overseas, to foot the bills for flights, accommodation and more just to go to the show for a look.

But to see PacPrint as just an opportunity to flog some kit to some stand trawlers is to entirely miss the point of the exhibition. It’s about much more than equipment. In times like these exhibitors should bring a clear focus on lean manufacturing, greater efficiencies and productivity, environmental initiatives and client relationships to their message at PacPrint. They are the reasons, after all, why printers invest in new equipment.

And in tough times what better motivation for printers than to attend the National Print Awards to see what can be achieved here despite increasing international competition? Winners will be grinners, and the others will take note of what they have to do to win next time.

The combination of PacPrint and the National Print Awards is precisely what the industry needs now, as a visible representation of its grit and resilience, and its value and importance to the economy, whatever its condition.

From all of us here at ProPrint, have a safe and happy Christmas/New Year period, and come back refreshed. Let’s make the most of 2009.

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