The All in Print (AIP) China 2016 show has come to an end amidst visible encouraging signs for the printing industry in Asia. Held from 18 to 22 October 2016 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), the show is one of the biggest events in the printing industry of China and the Asia-Pacific region. The AIP 2016 show hosted a gathering of 724 exhibitors coming from 22 countries and regions in an exhibition area of approximately 80,000 sq. m. The show emphasized on the Chinese collaborations with well-known international brands from various fields on showcasing innovative products, cutting-edge technologies and solutions for printing and packaging. Jointly organized by The Printing Technology Association of China, China Academy of Printing Technology and Messe Dusseldorf (Shanghai), the show had support and guidance from the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of the People’s Republic of China (SAPPRFT), the Ministry of Commerce and the Shanghai Municipal Government.
Amongst the major exhibitors who participated at the show included Bobst, Eterna, Komori, Manroland, Ricoh, Fujifilm, Fuji Xerox, EFI, Epson, Konica Minolta, Screen, Kolbus, and Esko-Graphics. Major Chinese exhibitors included Tianjin Masterwork Machinery, Taiyo Kikai, Hans-Gronhi, Jia He Ding Xin, Founder Group, Cron, Lucky Huaguang, Pinghu Bindex, Beiren Group, Weigang Machinery, Zhejiang Guowang, and Wenzhou Zhengbo, who showcased their latest products and solutions.
There was a lot of crowd at the show in the first three days although rain played spoilsport throughout the entire duration. Although the last two days witnessed heavy rains along with strong gusts of wind, it could not dampen the spirits of potential visitors. The organizers confirmed that as a result of multi-channel marketing by 108 overseas agents, 63 global professional media and 140 global associations, websites, mobile applications, social media and EDM platforms, events and road shows, All in Print China 2016 was heavily trafficked on the first three days with more than 60,000 visitors.
One of the key concerns expressed by some exhibitors was that of the economics involved in organizing an important show for the Asian market on the same year in which a major show such as drupa was organized. With drupa 2016 having already put pressure on the budgets of major exhibitors, it was not easy for the exhibitors who participated in both the shows. Some of the major heavy metal exhibitors preferred to stay away, including Heidelberg, KBA, Manroland Sheetfed and RMGT with only Komori having a stand although with no presses on display.
The show had seven theme pavilions and special zones. Among these, the ‘Innovation Factory’ special zone highlighted the fair’s theme, ‘Discover the Future of Printing’ consisting of five segments focused on the latest technology and applications—future of printing, networked printing, innovative applications, green printing, and printing culture. Located on an exhibition area of 1,500 sq. m, the zone featured colorful stand designs, and 30 printing and packaging solutions.
Majority of the exhibitors expressed strong intent on coming back to the show as they believe China is one of the biggest and most important print consuming markets in the world at the moment. With increased attendance of international visitors from other East and South-East Asian countries, the organizers are hoping to attract more participation from this region in the imminent future. The next show is slated for 2018 and it hopes to provide a major fillip to the printing industry in the entire South Asian region.
