PacPrint will move to September 2021
The region’s largest print trade show will now run from September 28 to October 1, 2021 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Held in conjunction with Visual Impact and the Label & Packaging Expo, PacPrint will move to the new date because of drupa.
Organisers say the decision follows Messe Düsseldorf’s announcement that drupa will now run from April 20-30, 2021. The new timing for PacPrint ensures that businesses in Australia, New Zealand and the surrounding region enjoy the full benefit of the traditional “post-drupa” show.
Supplier organisation Visual Connections organises PacPrint and its sister shows supplier organisation. Peter Harper, chief executive officer, says, “One of PacPrint’s strongest advantages was its timing, coming roughly one year after drupa. This typically means new technologies released at drupa, even some of those shown in Düsseldorf as prototypes, are nearly always ready for immediate sale and supply in this region by the time PacPrint rolls around, so businesses can benefit straight away.
“Following so closely on the heels of drupa would have created logistical challenges for many of our PacPrint exhibitors. They would need to get personnel and post-drupa releases to Australia in time for the Melbourne show. It just wasn’t feasible.
“This buffer of a few months will give exhibitors the opportunity to show drupa-release technologies to the Australian market. It will provide thousands of industry people. who can’t make it to Germany, the opportunity to see the latest innovations.”
PacPrint will work with stakeholders
Harper thanks his events team, which has worked overtime on a solution, and also to the team at the MCEC. The MCEC has had to accommodate the numerous changes and cancellations required by Covid-19.
He says, “We are grateful to our colleagues at the MCEC for working with us to secure these new dates. We believe it will help us maintain PacPrint’s position as the market-leading show for print, sign, display, labels and packaging in this region.”
Organisers still have plenty of work to do, in concert with exhibitors and other stakeholders. Harper says organisers have secured a window in which to bring the latest innovations and market knowledge to businesses here. He says, “It is good news for everyone, and we look forward to releasing more detail over the coming days and weeks.”
He adds that Visual Connections will share updates on its website and its Twitter. LinkedIn and Facebook feeds. Visitors and exhibitors can also follow the hashtags #printexpoaus and #pacprint.
