The Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) is inviting the print industry to rethink how it creates, communicates and captures its value on August 27th at its Annual Conference. 

The event will explore how businesses from across the sector can strengthen their competitiveness, adapt to changing markets and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth.



Held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, this year's theme, "Print to Performance – Unlocking our Industry's True Potential," reflects the growing opportunity for the print industry to demonstrate the measurable value it creates for consumers and the wider business economy.

Natalie Evans, Associate General Manager of the IPIA, comments: "We want people to leave the Conference feeling energised, but also equipped. The real measure of a successful event is both the conversations people have on the day ¬– as well as the ideas, confidence and practical actions they take back into their businesses afterwards. That has really shaped the programme this year.”

Supporting learning and new connections

Bringing together businesses from across the print industry, the Conference will examine the trends, technologies and commercial thinking shaping the sector's future, while recognising there is no single blueprint for success.

Natalie continues: “We have brought together people who can challenge how we think, but who can also give delegates insight, which they can translate into action. Whether that is improving how they communicate value to customers, developing their people, understanding the economy, adopting new technology or simply looking differently at where their next opportunity might come from.



"Equally, we recognise that running a business can sometimes be challenging. One of the things I value most about bringing our community together is seeing people realise that the challenges they are wrestling with are often shared by somebody sitting two seats away. Creating the space for those conversations, introductions and relationships is every bit as important to us as what happens on the Conference stage."

Business intelligence and inspiration

An outstanding line-up of print industry leaders, economists, marketing experts, academics and innovators will examine the commercial, technological and cultural forces shaping the future of print. 

Through keynote presentations, interviews, panel discussions and practical case studies, delegates will gain fresh perspectives and practical insight they can take back into their own businesses. Full details of the speaker programme and agenda are available at ipia.org.uk/ac26


Peter Horwood, Commercial Director of Imprint MIS and Chair of the IPIA's Networking and Collaboration Committee – which helps shape the Conference programme and delegate experience – adds: "Strong industries are built on strong relationships. One of our committee's priorities is ensuring the Conference creates the right environment for those relationships to develop naturally – bringing together businesses from across the print supply chain to exchange ideas, share experience and identify opportunities to work together.

"Whether those conversations lead to new partnerships, fresh commercial opportunities or simply a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our sector, they all contribute to building a stronger, more connected industry. That is why networking is such an integral part of the day, not simply something that happens around the Conference."
New technology, media and opportunity 

Beyond the speaker programme, delegates can immerse themselves in the Expo and Networking Hub, where leading technology and media developers, suppliers and service providers will showcase the latest innovations and discuss emerging industry trends. 

Combined with networking over breakfast, refreshments, lunch and a closing drinks reception, the day has been designed to encourage meaningful conversations, new partnerships and valuable business connections alongside the conference sessions.



Alasdair Browne, Managing Director of Abbot Print and Chair of the IPIA, concludes: "Our objective is to give print businesses practical insight, fresh perspectives and stronger connections that help them navigate change with confidence. 

“By bringing together expertise from across and beyond our industry, the Conference supports not only individual businesses but the long-term strength of the wider print economy."

For full details and to book your place, visit  ipia.org.uk/ac26

Images from a previous Conference