Companies with an interest in exhibiting at Ipex next year will be heading to the NEC venue in Birmingham in September for the official 'exhibitor day'. The three-hour programme on September 3 is in the in the gallery area at the heart of the new centralised exhibition footprint. Companies that have already booked or are considering taking stand space will receive an overall update on Ipex 2010, including briefings on the planned visitor features, as well as the diverse and extensive international marketing campaign and worldwide PR strategy for the event. In addition, the team will provide an overview of the comprehensive suite of free marketing tools available to exhibitors which they can use to invite visitors directly to their stands. Delegates will learn how they could tailor their own marketing plans to fit in with the generic worldwide campaign, in order to work towards the universal goal of increasing visitor figures from all parts of the globe. In an effort to support its exhibitors during these challenging economic times, a ‘recession buster’ session will provide help and advice on how to cut operational costs and maximise the investment in the show. “This main exhibitor day is the culmination of our highly successful roadshow programme and marks the official start of the Ipex 2010 build up”, says Trevor Crawford, Ipex 2010 event director. “The event is extremely popular with exhibitors looking for answers, ideas and inspiration about anything from marketing opportunities to logistical issues and will provide a fantastic base from which exhibitors can launch their own marketing programmes. “Over the next 12 months we’ll work even closer with exhibitors to ensure that Ipex 2010 will maintain its position as the largest English-speaking global technology event for print, publishing and media which offers highly valuable business opportunities.” There will also be a presentation from Melville, one of the key suppliers to the exhibitors that provides major services such as electrics, shell schemes, furniture etc. The Ipex team will also address general logistic questions around travel and accommodation as well as sponsorship and promotional opportunities. The grand finale of the day will be the tour of the new halls to experience the radically different layout. For the first time, the entire show will be located in the new halls around the Atrium – not, as it has been, split between the two sides of the NEC. This has big benefits for both exhibitors and visitors. There will be one main approach with easy access to public transport and car parks, while the linked and adjoining halls provide easier navigation and a smooth visitor flow through a clearly defined area. Further information, updates and online registration forms can be found on the Ipex www.ipex.org/exday