PacPrint 09 got off to a flying start on Tuesday 27 May, with a total of 2,503 visitors coming through the doors of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
Given that visitor numbers traditionally build significantly from the first day of an event, this is a positive early indication of a strong show.
In very positive news for the industry, nearly 22% of those visitors were the CEO or owner of their businesses — from small shopfront businesses to one of Australia’s largest print groups — demonstrating that the show is clearly seen as a ‘decision maker’s show’.
Overseas visitors, mostly from New Zealand, made up a total of 6.5% of visitors, with visitors from interstate Australia accounting for another 22%.
Another encouraging sign for the industry yesterday was the number of students attending.
While they are not yet investors, the opportunity to showcase our vibrant and exciting industry to a new generation of designers, photographers, print buyers and tradespeople is an enormously important part of a show like PacPrint.
Minister for Industry and Trade, Martin Pakula, officially opened PacPrint 09, which is regarded as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest expo for the printing and graphic communications industry.
With close to 20,000 people expected to attend, PacPrint 09 will be one of the largest industry conventions ever held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Expo will include around 220 exhibitors and feature a range of industry forums.
Mr Pakula says PacPrint 09 will put the spotlight one of Australia’s largest manufacturing sectors which has an annual turnover of around $23 billion and employs around 115,000 people.
“The Brumby Labor Government recognises the value of the printing industry in Victoria which employs close to 42,000 people, over a third of the national total, and contributes over $5 billion to the Victorian economy annually,” Mr Pakula says.
“We are working with the industry meet the challenges it faces while assisting it to make the most of the new development opportunities.
“For the manufacturing sector, we are delivering the environment and support needed to ride out the current difficult circumstances and emerge more competitive and globally focused than ever.
“We have a strong program of investment that will stimulate the Victorian economy, securing the jobs of Victorians and protecting the skills and capabilities that the industry will need to make the most of the economic recovery.
“To support the manufacturing sector we are delivering the $245 million Action Plan for Victorian Industry and Manufacturing that is focused on building and sustaining a modern manufacturing sector.
"We are helping the industry to drive the development of new technologies, materials, specialist capabilities and highly skilled workforces.”
As the premier event for the printing industry that is held once every four years, PacPrint 09 provides a major opportunity for industry participants to gather information and equip their businesses with the skills and technology to face the challenges of the future.
“PacPrint 09 offers attendees and exhibitors an opportunity to discuss the future of the industry, explore the best of what it offers now and to develop and strengthen your professional networks,” Mr Pakula says.
“As a leader in technology-driven areas like secure substrates and security printing products and services, Victoria’s printing industry is well placed to develop these opportunities and remain a strong presence in the international print industry.
“I am very pleased we are once again hosting PacPrint here in Victoria. When Melbourne last hosted PacPrint in 2001, KPMG estimated it was worth over $50 million for the Victorian economy.
“The return of PacPrint in 2009 will again provide a significant economic boost as well as showcasing our print industry strengths to international delegates.”
PacPrint 09 will run from 26 — 30 May, and will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
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