The print industry in Mena region is estimated to top $7.6 billion within four years, said the organisers of an upcoming event for digital technology in commercial and large format sectors.

Organised by IIR’s UK parent Informa Exhibitions, the inaugural Ipex Digital Middle East, the world’s largest English-speaking event for print, publishing and media, will run from November 14 to 16 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

“Ipex Digital Middle East will cover the entire commercial and large format digital print industry, which was estimated to be worth $5.3 billion in 2007 is forecast to surpass $7.6 billion by 2015, according to research from Pira International,” said Binu Pillai, exhibition director of Ipex Digital Middle East.

“Further analysis shows that this is not because of price increases or volume increases in new business, growth is coming from digital black and white and colour printing and mailing/fulfillment, database, and new media services,” he added.

Pira also forecasts that digital printing in Middle East will have a compound annual growth rate of 17.2 per cent between 2007 and 2012.

Although Ipex Digital Middle East will be an annual event to underscore the scale of Ipex , the UK event only takes place once every four years, with Ipex 2014 taking place in London’s ExCeL exhibition and conference centre.

“Ipex Digital Middle East will feed-off it’s more illustrious sister event in London and will be the regional industry’s focal point. Our main objective will be to ensure that we attract the key regional buyers, focusing on quality rather than just quantity,” added Pillai.

The event will gather businesses involved in print production, creative and design, print finishing, pre-press, photography, publishing and many other sectors of the industry – both global and regional.

“With digital technology driving innovation in the sector at an unprecedented pace, it is now more important than ever for print organisations to stay connected with their market and customers,” said Pillai.

Ipex Digital Middle East has also launched a unique initiative called Top 100 buyers programme, where the top buyers from each country and city throughout the Middle East are invited to attend the show.

“We will ensure regular contact with these VIPs updating them on the sponsors, exhibitors and conference agenda during the build up as well as onsite at the show itself,” Pillai said.

Digital print industry specialists from the international and regional printing industry will also participate in the Ipex Digital Middle East conference programme.
International industry leaders will discuss how print businesses can compete within the constantly changing regional market, identifying business opportunities and addressing industry issues. – TradeArabia News Service