Registrations have opened online for PacPrint 2021, with exhibitor representatives from some 40 companies recently meeting for their first event briefing.
PacPrint and the co-located Visual Impact and Label & Packaging expos typically attract more than 8,000 visitors from Australia, New Zealand and the surrounding region and, its organisers expect this year’s event to be more strongly subscribed than ever.
Peter Harper, CEO of Visual Connections, which organises the event and also co-hosts it with the Print & Visual Communications Association (PVCA) said indications from fellow event organisers and the Exhibitions and Events Association of Australia are that not only are markets ready to return to ‘in-person’ events, but are keener than ever.
“For example, we heard this week from colleagues in Queensland that the events they have held late last year and in early 2021 have not only exceeded expectations but, in some instances, have broken attendance records for the shows in question,” he said.
“Not only that, but record business has been transacted at many of these shows, reinforcing the value of the physical B2B environment of an industry expo.”
Visual Connections’ own research states that the market is ready to gather at trade shows, with some 70 per cent of respondents to a recent survey indicating that they would ‘definitely’ attend the Melbourne show.
Another 18 per cent said they were considering it, with only 12 per cent saying they had no plans to attend at present.
“We are in a great position in Australia to plan for a return to exhibitions and events. With seven months still to run until doors open at the MCEC, we are extremely confident that PacPrint will not only proceed, but potentially be one of the biggest and most important shows we’ve ever held,” Harper said.
“Now, with plans progressing well for the show, it’s time for business owners and key decision makers to clear their diaries, start to make plans, and of course register to attend the show.”
Exhibitor representatives also recently gathered for their first briefing, facilitated by PacPrint chairperson Sue Threlfo from Konica Minolta.
Threlfo updated exhibitors on planning for the event, introduced key contacts and shared other insights and details ahead of the September 28 to October 1 Melbourne event.
Harper said the involvement of suppliers in PacPrint demonstrates their support for the industry.
This view was echoed by the majority of speakers, who noted that current low rates of COVID and the vaccine rollout support high levels of confidence.
Export Solutions’ Katarina Dayoan said exhibitors should apply without delay for the federal government’s business events grants.
Bob Carroll, managing director of Australian Events, also told the gathering about the numerous successful trade events his company had run during 2020 and 2021.
Carroll said enthusiasm for those shows was higher than expected, with record attendances and excellent business generated. He also reassured exhibitors that processes and procedures required for ‘COVID-safe’ events were no more onerous – and in fact, no different – from those already being implemented within organisations.
Exhibitors also heard from Sharon Friedman, safety manager for the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre about procedures at the venue, and Visual Connections team members Robyn Frampton and Jenny Harris, who outlined promotional opportunities and introduced the contractors who will be providing vital services during the show.
PacPrint 2021 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 28 September to 1 October.
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