UK printing trade show Ipex will return to Birmingham in 2017 in a new format which places less emphasis on international markets.

Organisers Informa and Picon have abandoned plans for spring 2018 in favour of an event in the northern autumn of 2017 and a new three-year cycle in line with that of DRUPA and other events.

It also brings a return to Birmingham's 40-year-old National Exhibition Centre following the lacklustre London Docklands event in March last year.

A new joint executive committee has been formed representing stakeholders. Members are Bob Usher (Apex Digital), Mark Bristow (Friedheim International), Peter Hall (Informa Exhibitions), Rob Fisher (Ipex exhibition director), Ian Taylor (NEC sales director), Bettine Pellant (Picon), Tim Webb (Picon) Jo Watkiss (Watkiss Automation).

Hall, who is managing director of Informa Exhibitions which owns the event, says the group is taking a "whole new fresh and collaborative approach" to designing the Ipex of the future: "We recognise that several aspects of Ipex 2014 were not successful, but we have learned from these and will consult closely with the market to ensure that 2017 is a UK-focussed, industry-driven event that appeals strongly to exhibitors and visitors."

Picon chief executive Pellant says there is a strong appetite from UK suppliers, manufacturers and visitors for a major event every three years which keeps pace with the speed of change in the industry, does not conflict with DRUPA and "very much complements" the variety of annual UK signage, packaging and print shows.

"Picon represents manufacturers and suppliers to the UK printing, papermaking and converting sectors and all will benefit from a vibrant Ipex."

Ipex traces its heritage to 1851, while Informa Exhibitions organises more than 200 events annually from Brazil to China.