The recent postponements of Fespa, Sign and Digital UK and drupa didn’t come as a huge shock to the industry, naturally the safety of visitors and exhibitors has to be the organiser’s priority. Nevertheless, the news is still disappointing and the suddenly sparse calendar will have an impact on the sector. We spoke to key figures in the sector to find out how they thought the suspensions would change the printing landscape…
Erskine Stewart
Managing director, swissQprint
sqissQprint has been set to exhibit at Sign and Digital UK for the very first time
The recent cancellations of events in our industry has been an appropriate response to the complex challenge of COVID-19, however, this does present new challenges for our industry. These events fulfil three key roles for our business. Firstly, they provide us with the opportunity to connect with customers who have invested in swissQprint technology. These are key moments leading to solidified relationships and identification of new opportunities. Secondly, the events provide a platform to introduce new features and technology. At each show, we provide hands-on experience so that customers can see first-hand the new applications the new technology can provide. Finally, Fespa, Drupa and Sign & Digital UK are important events for companies seeking new opportunities and technology, and many of our customers would have had their first experience with swissQprint at these events.
The way people discover a business like ours and seek new inspiration for applications is changing and this current situation will reinforce this trend. The COVID-19 situation is a catalyst for us to innovate and we are preparing new ways to engage with our customers for them to experience our technology.
Exhibition halls and conference centres the world over will be veritable ghost towns for the next few months
Brett Newman
Chief operations manager, Hybrid
Hybrid is the official UK distributor for Mimaki, who were one of the first companies to announce a virtual replacement for their event offerings
This is a great opportunity for UK and Irish print companies to discover so much about what Mimaki can provide their business with – from the comfort of their desk, or, if working remotely, their dining table or home office! In these challenging times, the Mimaki Virtual Print Festival is an opportunity to both reflect and look towards the future. We’re hoping that people use this time with both Hybrid and our partners at Mimaki to uncover potential new revenue streams, find out more that can be achieved with their existing print hardware or even look at potential investments for the future.
Martyn Train
Managing director, Duplo UK
Duplo is a veteran of print industry shows, both in the UK and abroad
Of course we support the decision of the Messe Dusseldorf to postpone Drupa until the current crisis is over. We at Duplo had a very exciting and engaging show planned for visitors. The postponement means we can now reset and plan again for Spring 2021, to make the visitor experience that much more memorable. We haven’t simply halted work on our Drupa exhibit, we’ve been given a chance to make it even more fantastic. I know everyone is currently considering the safety and health of their customers and staff and the right call has been made. We were glad the decision was taken at this stage rather than closer to the event and respect the difficulties and pressures the Messe were under.
We at Duplo are moving forward with a number of exciting product launches during spring 2020 as they’re good to go, bringing even greater levels of automation and productivity to certain areas of the finishing world. As far as the industry is concerned, print is a resilient one, especially so in the UK. Even with the current situation we’re looking at, with the right spirit, attitude and mindset the industry will weather this storm. Let’s face it, many companies in our industry heavily support the healthcare, financial, logistics and food sectors and will see that support stressed in the months to come. Duplo has a part to play in providing that support to our clients, which we’re ready for.
We wish everyone well in the coming months.
