At the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon on Thursday 1st December
The IPIA Recognising Excellence Expo, Networking Lunch, Gala Dinner and Awards.
Changes to the association’s Council leadership will also take effect the same day.
As part of its wider mission to energise the print industry and stimulate its sector economy, the Independent Print Industry Association (IPIA) returns to the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon on December 1st to host the pinnacle of its events calendar; the Recognising Excellence Expo, Networking Lunch, Gala Dinner and Awards. Changes to the association’s Council leadership will also take effect the same day.
Current Chairman, and soon to be President of the IPIA, Graeme Smith, describes the event as the association’s jewel in the crown. “It’s where like-minded print professionals regroup at the close of the year and explore future collaborations and discuss best practice and issues. Print is a dynamic industry that changes rapidly, and we all need to be agile, maximise our relevance and capture every opportunity in this increasingly digital world. Print needs to carve through the noise, and all the elements of Recognising Excellence shows print shouting through, loud and proud.”
The Expo and Business Networking Hub run from 11:00 to 15:30, with a pause for the Networking Lunch and the IPIA Chairman’s address. This allows delegates ample time to check out print technology and services exhibits, to re-establish connections, explore new partnerships and take part in a series of interactive expo and exhibitor experiences.
The Gala Dinner begins with a champagne reception at 19:00 and, at 21:00, winners of the Recognising Excellence Awards are announced followed by a night of live entertainment. Lucy Swanston, Chair of the IPIA Event Subcommittee and Managing Director of Nutshell Creative says: “This is where the print industry supply chain comes together to celebrate the best of the best making a difference. I can’t underestimate the value of this face-to-face networking. There’s a real sense of community among members, large and small, all keen to support each other.”
The IPIA’s famous ‘Stand-up Bingo’ to raise money for The Printing Charity will be held during dinner and live music from celebrated band The Compilation and dancing conclude the evening’s proceedings.
What are the IPIA changes we can expect?
The AGM, which takes place the same day at 15.30, will see a new President, Chairman and Vice Chairman take over at the top. The incoming Chair of the IPIA, Charles Rogers of Portland Media is looking forward to taking up his new role and continuing the good work achieved in developing the association: “The last seven years have seen huge changes with how the IPIA engages with members, sponsors, and our industry. Having now gained a trusted association at Government through BEIS, we can continue to direct critical messages to those who can help vocalise our causes to those ministers who create the policies affecting us all.
“We have worked hard to strengthen IPIA events, and I will endeavour to expand them, as well as encourage the Council to create ways of reaching out to new members and sponsors. As our profile continues to rise, I will also reach out to other key trade bodies and associations to collaborate on projects for the betterment of the wider print industry and all those who work within it,” says Charles.
Incoming Vice-Chair, Alasdair Browne of Abbot Print is grateful for being entrusted with the position and described the IPIA’s new system of subcommittees as providing a drive and focus to the benefit of members: “One example I have been involved with is the Research Subcommittee, which looks to transfer to the print industry ‘intelligence gathering’ methods more usual in other fields – that we can use to educate print buying markets effectively about the power and effectiveness of print. Others like Innovation and Sustainability are investigating issues that are clearly important to all members and I look forward to supporting my fellow Council members in my new role.”
Outgoing President Mike Roberts adds: “On a personal level, it has been outstanding to see the IPIA flourish over my term as President for the benefit of the membership and our industry. There’s been some difficult times as we reinvented ourselves and pushed through periods like the Pandemic, but the whole Council – and particularly the IPIA Executive headed by General Manager Brendan Perring – should be justifiably proud of the support, success and value the IPIA continues to deliver.
“I’m really pleased to be handing over to Graeme Smith, as incoming President, and watch how the association prospers with incoming Chair Charles Rogers and Vice Chair Alasdair Bowne. For me, I’ll be on the ‘back benches’ with my fellow Council members, supporting accordingly.”
How can we attend this event?
Tickets to the Recognising Excellence event start with a daytime pass and lunch at the Expo and Business Networking Hub, rising to a complete package including overnight accommodation and breakfast. Visit ipia.org.uk/recognising-excellence/ for details and how to book. Tickets are limited and sales are already buoyant, so early booking is recommended.
* Ticket price for IPIA/BAPC members. For non-members ticket price is £14.40
About the IPIA
Founded in 1992, the IPIA is a print industry, not for profit, membership association. It is deeply committed to supporting its members and helping them excel by expanding their business horizons, grow using targeted member collaboration, adapt to ever evolving market forces, and thrive through mutual support.
