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AHEAD OF
THE CURVE
How to navigate new markets and find routes to growth
Thursday 29th August, The Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry
Inspirational and educational speakers will combine with amazing networking opportunities, a mini-expo, as well as top class food and refreshments. The day will then be topped off with networking drinks – a chance to make further new business connections and unwind. All of this is covered by one ticket price.
Supported by an amazing array of industry technology developers and suppliers, the conference will also feature an Expo and Networking Hub – where delegates can learn about wider sector trends and advances, while building relationships with new business prospects.
Critically, attendees will be able to find new opportunities to help grow their business and provided with direction to help it thrive in the long-term.
Insights from experienced speakers
The IPIA has long been recognised for the quality and relevance of its speakers. Ahead of the Curve will draw on the experience and insights of a range of respected print professionals.
They will not only provide attendees with grounded advice on critical market trends and help identify key growth markets, but more importantly, they will share their valuable knowledge of how to break into these markets in a way that is sustainable for long-term business expansion.
Joining Information
Thursday, August 29th 2024
Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC),
Ansty Park,
Coventry,
CV7 9JU
There is then a 15-minute taxi ride from Coventry Train Station.
If you are coming from the north, Nuneaton is the closest station, again, there is approximately a 15-
minute taxi ride from the station to the MTC.
Business casual
Annual Conference 2024 Agenda
15.00 – Afternoon refreshments, cake and networking in the Expo
15.30 – Conference Session 4
16.00 – Networking drinks in the Expo
The IPIA would not be able to create events such as our Annual Conference without the support of our amazing sponsor members. They are all dedicated to supporting the growth of the print industry in the UK and their contribution is invaluable. They also ensure that our events remain affordable and accessible – opening them up to a far wider spectrum of smaller businesses. Please find out more by clicking on the links below and we look forward to welcoming them at the Conference.
IPIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024
Ahead of the Curve – How to navigate new markets and find routes to growth
Thursday 29th August, The Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry
About Brendan…
Brendan cut his teeth as a journalist on regional newspapers in Scotland, before becoming an undercover investigative reporter for The Sunday Times. He then earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from Cardiff University – while treading the boards of several national Welsh newspapers – before setting his sights on the wonderful world of business-to-business journalism.
He joined the printing industry in 2010, becoming Editor at Signlink and Print Monthly magazines and co-founding The Print Show in 2015. After nearly 9 years in the hot seat and becoming a self-confessed ‘print geek’ in the process, Brendan joined the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) in 2019 as its General Manager. Here he continues to use his accumulated and eclectic experience to support its members to grow and thrive, while passionately advocating for the UK print industry.
About Carey…
With a deep understanding of the effectiveness and potential of print as a marketing medium – especially when it is used within multi-channel campaigns – Carey has had an extensive and highly-successful career in the marketing industry and has headed up award-winning campaigns for global brands.
As Managing Director of The Institute of Promotional Marketing until 2018, she served on the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and remains an independent sector advisor to key associations and bodies within the sector.
From 2020 to 2024, Carey was CEO of the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) and is also a strategic advisor to PR and influencer agency BIG little London.
Through her consultancy, Mission Element, she advises on campaign compliance, marketing, promotion, and change management.
About Sam
Sam is passionate about helping young people progress in their careers and shine. He is responsible for careers and development initiatives, including the Rising Star Awards, within the Printing Charity.
His goal is to ensure that as many eligible people as possible have the opportunity to learn about the various ways the charity can support their career progression in our industry, through support, advice and networking.
About Mark…
Mark Cross has been Engagement Director at JICMAIL since 2018, helping to position mail as a vital part of the modern media mix. JICMAIL provides audience reach, frequency, and impact data that brings mail in line with digital and broadcast planning standards. Mark also advises OmniGOV, the UK Government’s media activation partner, and is a founding partner of Texture AI, applying cognitive science and NLP to communication strategy.
His career spans senior roles across government and agency sectors, including Communications Planning Director at the COI, leadership at PHD Group, and contributions to the IPA’s Media Futures Group and BARB board. A key figure in launching the IPA’s TouchPoints survey and a Fellow of the IPA, Mark brings a rare combination of strategic insight and data expertise to the evolving role of mail in the marketing mix.
About Claire…
Claire has worked for Canon for six and half years, initially in Ireland as a Marketing Coordinator, and more recently at Canon UK. She is now a Demand Generation Acquisition Professional for Canon UK and Ireland.
She is a 2025 winner of the Printing Charity’s Rising Star Awards, investing her award in a course to support her personal development, undertaking the Print Communication Design course at Central St Martins.
About Mark…
Marc has been with Tradeprint for over three years, and has a background in customer service, sales, and hospitality – he is now working as a Customer Success Agent to support the printers national customer base.
As a Printing Charity Rising Star Award winner for 2025, Marc is investing in core skills for his future career by expanding his knowledge of sales techniques, undertaking CIM courses in Developing Key Accounts and Sales and Business Development Skills.
About Gemma…
Gemma is Managing Director of Paragon Dagenham, where she brings together deep expertise in printed communications with advanced data intelligence to deliver transformative results. With a passion for harnessing data-driven insight, Gemma specialises in optimising print strategies to create more effective, personalised, and impactful communications. Under her leadership, Paragon Dagenham has become a leader in innovation at the intersection of print and data—driving measurable outcomes, enhancing customer engagement, and building stronger client partnerships.
About Jonathan…
Jonathan is Managing Director for the global Two Sides campaign, including the Love Paper initiative, which promote the sustainability of print, paper and paper packaging through Europe, North and South America, South Africa and Australia & New Zealand. He also runs a Carbon consultancy and the successful Carbon Balanced Paper programme for conservation charity World Land Trust.
He has spent the last 40 years working in the industry – paper merchants, paper manufacturers and printers – and lead a government funded programme for WRAP (Waste and Resource Action programme) advising UK government on sustainable procurement for print and paper.
What are most significant technology and market trends affecting the print industry? Which sectors offer the best opportunities for diversification and growth? How can our industry develop a culture of selling its strengths beyond its own boundaries?
Our panel of experienced journalists and editors from across the trade media landscape will discuss and debate these and a number of critical questions live – taking questions from the audience – and providing their honest views, insights and analysis.
David Osgar
Print Monthly
David has worked for Print Monthly and SignLink for over three years writing news and features, attending events, and filming/editing video content about the print and signage industries.
In his time at the company the publications have seen dramatic changes through revamped videos, magazines, and websites. He always brings his interest in businesses and technology to his work across both titles.
Gareth Ward
Print Business
Gareth begin his journey in the print world as a trainee reporter in 1983 and made editor in 1989 at the age of 29.
He had spotted the gap in the market for a magazine that really examined the business side of printing, so in 2010, after a shotgun management buyout, he and his partner Debbie Ward set about creating their version of a modern business magazine for the rapidly changing printing industry. This is when Print Business really cemented itself as the bedrock magazine that puts printers first and foremost.
Richard Stuart-Turner
Printweek
Richard has been keeping his finger on the pulse of print for the last seven years, moving from reporter to senior reporter, and now news editor at Printweek.
With a passion for delving into what is driving change in the industry and providing detailed analysis of how the sector is evolving, Richard guides the news agenda for the largest media organisation in the print industry.
Jack Gocher
Eye on Display
Jack is a highly-respected member of the trade media community and has been supporting print titles for decades through his PR, content creation and marketing services.
With a specialism in large-format print, Jack founded Eye on Display to be a source of interesting and valuable information for printers, sign-makers, designers and anyone else involved with digital printing and display technology.
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