With the goal of re-energising the print industry and stimulating market activity – while providing a platform for industry professionals to network and simply have fun – the IPIA will close 2021 with its first physical event for almost two years, supported all the way by its sister association the BAPC.
The Recognising Excellence Gala and Expo will be held at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon on Thursday, December 2, 2021.
“Covid-19 drove most of us online, but in amongst digital fatigue, print continued to demonstrate its relevance and effectiveness as part of marketing activity – with 41%* of businesses claiming to increase spend on ad mail this year. Now it is time for us to show leadership, come together, generate confidence and help kickstart our sector’s growth,” emphasises Lucy Swanston, Chair of the IPIA Event Subcommittee and Managing Director of Nutshell Creative.
The event already has the backing of the Associations sponsors (Antalis, Canon, Duplo, Fujifilm, Imprint MIS, Konica Minolta, Vivid, Xerox and Xmpie), with additional exhibitors to be announced in the weeks ahead. It also has seen a ground swell of positive support from hundreds of Members across the IPIA and BAPC.
“The IPIA is well known for the high quality and value of its events and, ordinarily, we host some 10 business events every year, culminating with the Gala dinner, which has proved an important social and networking opportunity on the calendar since 1992,” says Lucy.
Lucy continues: “This will be our first in-person event since the pandemic began, although we have hosted several lauded virtual events like #Punchbackprint and the IPIA Big Breakfast networking mornings. These were developed to support the industry with learning and networking opportunities. We are looking forward to not only seeing what our print technology providers have got to showcase, but to also welcome print buyers, agencies, trade houses and suppliers to the event.”
The Expo and Business Networking Hub runs from 11:00 to 15:30, broken only by a sumptuous buffet lunch and the IPIA Chairman’s address on critical market trends. It gives delegates plenty of time to browse new products and services that could benefit their businesses as well as renew connections and forge new partnerships.
The IPIA AGM takes place at 15.30 for an hour. The Champagne Reception and Gala Dinner begins at 19:00, with the Recognising Excellence Awards presented to worthy winners from 21:00. During the dinner, the IPIA will also run its fantastically fun Stand-up Bingo session, with the winner sweeping half the pot – while the other half goes to a charity of their choice. Highly acclaimed band Hypersonix will then perform live and keep the entertainment and fun going into the night.
A range of tickets are available, starting with a visit to the Expo and lunch in the Business Networking Expo (£12 - IPIA/BAPC Members and £14.40 - non-members), rising to a complete package for the whole event and overnight accommodation with breakfast (£192 - IPIA/BAPC Members, £223.20 – non-members).
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