News

Biennial newspaper technology show Newstec has been scrapped by organiser IIR Exhibitions due to a lack of interest from the industry.

The Brighton show, which this year underwent a revamp in order to improve its offering to the newspaper industry, will not take place in 2009. Instead, there will be an extra focus on newspapers at Ipex in 2010.

IIR said that exhibitors had been satisfied with the attendance from senior newspaper industry figures, but said the event failed to attract middle managers at publishers and printers.

IIR Exhibitions managing director Nicky Mason said: “After the huge efforts on the part of not just ourselves but our key exhibitors, it is extremely disappointing to find that the industry simply feel they have no need for a dedicated exhibition.
“Newstec had been the meeting place for the industry for more than 30 years. To lose it is a real shame.”

Visitors and exhibitors said that the loss of the show, best known for its social aspect, was a sign of the industry’s consolidation.

David Crow, managing director of Johnston Press’ printing division and a regular visitor, said: “It is a shame, but it could not continue in the format that it was, [although] it has been a great tradition over the years.”

KBA UK managing director Christian Knapp said: “The trouble was that you got the top brass visiting, but none of the middle management or printers. That raises issues for when those people become top managers. But we’d like to see the social networking event continue.”