With the British Airways strike called off and the volcanic ash cloud moving away from UK airspace, "all the signs were there" that Ipex would be a great success, according to organiser IIR Exhibitions.

"The fact that just about every manufacturer is here at the show, albeit with some slightly smaller footprints, underlines just how resilient this industry is, even in the current economic difficulties," said Ipex event director Trevor Crawford.

"In every hall I walk through, I'm hearing exhibitors talking extremely positively about seminar and meeting programmes. Manufacturers are very excited about what's ahead, especially as much of what is on show was in beta mode during Drupa."

Crawford said it was too early to predict what the big themes of this year's Ipex would be. However, he added: "It will be big on ideas and inspiration. It will provide genuine advice and help to businesses for facing the challenges ahead."

On the eve of the show's opening, Crawford said there was "massive relief" that it looked like the ash cloud would cause minimal disruption, if any, to overseas visitors.

IIR has, however, set up a travel hotline and installed an emergency travel advisor in a kiosk in the main atrium of the NEC. As well as having the latest news, he will also offer advice on any individual travel problems.

Pre-registrations for the show numbered a record 70,000, according to IIR.