PrintPack to be a bigger show than ever

576 companies have confirmed their presence at the show, of which 272 have confirmed live demonstrations. Press manufacturers such as Megabound, Bindwel, LineOmatic, TechNova, Canon, Heidelberg, Konica Minolta, TPH, Xerox, Komori, Minosha, Nilpeter, and HP, have confirmed their participation. In the 15th edition, a net area of 25,340-sqmt was sold with a gross area of over 60,000-sqmt. This year, a net area 33,800-sqmt with a gross area of 75,000-sqmt, have been sold.

“There is a new trend where exhibitors think it is better to participate in selective shows. They believe it is better to participate on a major scale in a big exhibition,” Prashant Vats, director of IPAMA says. “In India, to participate in most reputed exhibitions, one often has to pay between Rs 12,000- 20,000. Through IPAMA, its card rate is Rs 8,000 per sqmt for bare, and after the early bird, motivational and membership discounts, sometimes it goes as low as Rs 3,300per sqmt.” Vats is confident that PrintPack will see the launch of several new machines with new technologies.

In the 15th edition, a net area of 25,340-sqmt was sold with a gross area of over 60,000-sqmt. This year, a net area 33,800-sqmt with a gross area of 75,000-sqmt, have been sold. “There is a new trend where exhibitors think it is better to participate in selective shows. They believe it is better to participate on a major scale in a big exhibition,” Prashant Vats, director of IPAMA says. “In India, to participate in most reputed exhibitions, as low as Rs 3,300per sqmt.”

Vats is confident in machines with new technologies. The 16th edition of PrintPack India is set to be the largest, both in terms of area and the number of exhibitors, whether they will be inter-machines. However, Vats reassures PrintWeek that this is not the case. “There is not one direct Chinese company that is participating in PrintPack. A large majority of the exhibitors are Indian.”

IPAMA’s goal is to attract visitors from all over the world. A conference will be held by Aptech USA on the third day of the exhibition. Megabound will conduct knowledge-sharing sessions. IPAMA is also approaching the ink associations to organise a conference.

The importance of exhibitions help increase brand visibility and awareness, bringing together industry professionals, decision-makers, clients and influencers facilitating connections, helping with lead generation and offering insights into industry trends, company strategies and customer preferences.

Vats says, “There must be a gap between exhibitions so that exhibitors can come up with innovations to showcase.” Post-pandemic, the printing industry has been growing in single digits. Newer technologies are being incorporated into the market. There is an increase in the number of companies talking about green packaging.

“Exhibitors demand only two basic things. Good business and quality visitors,” he adds. The role of IPAMA IPAMA’s key function is to raise its voice for favourable policies in discussions with the government, policymakers and international organisations. It helps promote trade, hosts PrintPack India and works to standardise and improve the quality of machines and services.

IPAMA also aids in supporting small and medium enterprises in the industry by providing them with a platform to showcase their capabilities. It partners with CII, FICCI, the Chamber of Commerce and several other federations to help devise strategies to further the development of the industry in India.

Its policy-making suggestions include the National Capital Goods Policy, launched in 2016, whose 2025 revision it is involved in.

The association exists under the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Prashant Vats serves as the director of operations and legal at IPAMA. He oversees operational, legal and strategic activ- ities ensuring smooth functioning of the association’s initiatives.

Vats joined IPAMA almost 13 years ago, and it is under his leadership that the trade fair has grown at such a scale. The trade fair was held in Pragati Maidan till 2011.

The 2013 edition consisted of six halls with an area of about 13,719-sqmt (net) and 345 exhibitors. Today, it includes the entire IEML segment, in addition to all of the open areas. Vats says this success has only been possible thanks to his team. “PrintPack India is the result of everyone — from the members to exhibitors to clients and customers. We are all truly grateful for each one.”

He concludes, “PrintPack is a must- attend show for everyone. To exhibitors, I can only say: participate and see the difference. To visitors, I must say: come, watch and experience it to believe it.”