Delivering on its promise to present a new vision and format at IPEX 17, Informa Exhibitions is today confirming the appointment of James Matthews-Paul as Content Curator. Responsible for programming and hosting an exciting and inspiring schedule at IPEX’s Centre Stage, James is also helping the Informa Exhibitions team shape a truly diverse feature programme that will set IPEX 17 as a landmark in global print exhibitions.
Delivering on its promise to present a new vision and format at IPEX 17, Informa Exhibitions is today confirming the appointment of James Matthews-Paul as Content Curator. Responsible for programming and hosting an exciting and inspiring schedule at IPEX’s Centre Stage, James is also helping the Informa Exhibitions team shape a truly diverse feature programme that will set IPEX 17 as a landmark in global print exhibitions.
With a full speaker line-up to be confirmed in due course, IPEX and James are already delighted to announce a collaboration with London College of Fashion as part of the show’s PRINT IN ACTION motif. This is believed to be the first such project linking the print community with a major university and will result in a thrice-daily catwalk show on each of IPEX’s four days.
Students from the world-renowned university will be encouraged to work with printers, creating designs that incorporate digitally printed textile, paper and cardboard stocks, or other print-capable substrates, such as vinyl and acrylic. Those selected by an awarding committee, jointly staffed by LCF, IPEX and print stakeholders, will travel to Birmingham to form part of the show’s core content identity for 2017.
Printers, resellers and manufacturers from the UK are encouraged to contact ipexteam@informa.com to register their interest in helping a student develop a truly original design. The closing deadline is 30 April 2017. Winning entries will be showcased at IPEX.
“We were keen to find a Curator who would bring a completely different perspective to the show and fulfil our commitment to demonstrate PRINT IN ACTION,” says Rob Fisher, Event Director. “James is already developing a programme that embodies the strong link between the print and creative industries and will appeal to all IPEX stakeholders – printers and creatives, technologists, brand owners and the next generation.”
James has a reputation in the print industry as a firebrand journalist, entrepreneur and consultant. Formerly editor-in-chief and publisher of multimedia journal Output, James’s links throughout all areas of the global industry make him uniquely able to deliver a fresh and inspiring new content programme for IPEX 17 – a show in which he has great confidence.
“I’m convinced that the IPEX team realises that it has an opportunity to set a new tone for print events moving forward, and is committed to making IPEX 17 the ‘hard reset’ that the industry needs,” James comments. “Tracing its roots back to the late 19th century, IPEX has been the physical embodiment of the many changes that print has been through.
“In 2017 we need now, more than ever, to provide a new identity to our industry. We need to showcase our capabilities to a new audience, reinvigorate our component sectors and reinforce the community that makes print so attractive, unique and forward-thinking. There are also challenges, including the digitisation of industry and, of course, Brexit, that deserve to be discussed in the open. I am looking forward to bringing an entirely new set of speakers and contributors, plus some much-loved experts, to the content programme to make that happen.”
James will host panels, Q&A sessions, keynote speakers and technology and trends content on the Centre Stage. In keeping with the show’s PRINT IN ACTION theme, his remit also includes a journey around the UK to discover what the community feels about print in 2017 and in the future. IPEX will also support a range of community action events leading up to the show.
“Printers have relentless positivity for our sector and what we’re able to achieve with print – whether it’s public-facing, industrial, decorative or technical,” James explains. “I hope to give breath to that optimism by engaging with printers and representing it on stage at IPEX. I am truly excited that Informa Exhibitions has had the courage and vision to put on an event that is exactly what the industry needs.”
“From our dialogue with the industry to date, we realise that IPEX has to be relevant and meaningful for printers, brands and the manufacturing and supplier community,” concludes Rob Fisher. “By showcasing fresh new thoughts and approaches from some of the leading innovators, in conjunction with stakeholders both within and outside the industry, IPEX will be a lively forum for debate and learning. This will be an event that both reflects and leads print, and sets the tone for the next few years through originality and dialogue.”