Polestar chief executive Barry Hibbert and Richard Warner, head of corporate investment Europe for the group's major shareholder, Investcorp, will be speakers at next year's Comprint.

RR Donnelley chief executive William Davis and Toppan Print chairman Hiromichi Fujita will also speak at the event.

The results of two industry studies being specially prepared exclusively for Comprint will be revealed.

The University of Wuppertal in Germany is conducting a study on the future of print and publishing. It is looking for feedback from printers, suppliers, agencies, publishers and print buyers on the state of the industry.

Those interested have until 7 December to fill out a questionnaire on the website www.future-of-print.org and will be entitled to download a free copy of the study.

Pira is also preparing a study on print and digital media in the internet age.

"Comprint is unique in its ability to bring together senior executives and provide them with experience," said Comprint chairman Giorgio Gianoli.

Comprint is hoping to attract 600 delegates to the event, to be held in Lisbon, from 22-24 April 2002.

See www.comprint.org.

Story by Barney Cox