Pictured above: BIA tourism centre

Birmingham is hosting a major international exhibition this week, set to attract around 75,000 attendees and generate over £50m economic impact for the city. Ipex is the largest English-speaking global technology event for print, publishing and media and takes place 18 - 25 May at The NEC.

Attendees from over 150 countries are expected to be present with 45% of visitors from overseas. Thousands of attendees will be staying in hotels throughout the city and wider region and enjoying a packed programme of social events outside the exhibition. 

Marketing Birmingham is working with the Ipex organisers, The NEC and a host of partners to welcome the week-long event. It has negotiated rates with over 50 hotels across Birmingham and the region as well as special offers on attractions, cultural activities and restaurants to deliver the best possible experience to visitors once they step outside The NEC. A bespoke website has also been created for the event and the new tourism centre at Birmingham International Airport has been branded to provide a special welcome to the thousands of international attendees expected. 

Ian Taylor, Commercial Director at Marketing Birmingham, said: "Birmingham is now firmly on the map as an events city and Ipex is an important opportunity to showcase this on an international scale. The city is hosting thousands of attendees from across the globe and Birmingham city is working in partnership to welcome them and ensure the event is a success. 

"The exhibition plays a big part in the city's economic performance, with delegates staying in the hotels and enjoying restaurants and attractions throughout the city and region. Events are a key driver in the success of the city, and we're working to ensure this continues."

Kathryn James, Managing Director, The NEC, commented: "For our venue, Ipex is another perfect example of the kind of large-scale international event that we regularly host here at The NEC and we are delighted to have it back with us again. This is another great example of why The NEC is the number one UK venue and events choose to return to us time and time again.  

Trevor Crawford, Ipex 2010 Event Director, concluded: "For the eighth time, the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Birmingham will host this major international exhibition. The city is perfectly placed to host Ipex - it's a central location in the UK and has a major airport close by allowing easy access for our international attendees. There's also a great variety of attractions which means our visitors are able to make the most of their time here, both in and out of the exhibition."

Taking place every four years, Ipex is the largest English-speaking global technology event for print, publishing and media. Over 1,000 exhibitors from all over the world will show the latest developments in prepress solutions, digital and offset presses, and post-press systems, and there will also be areas devoted to packaging and converting and publishing.

For more information on Marketing Birmingham, please visit their website here: www.marketingbirmingham.co.uk