As we continue to hear from voices across different parts of the print industry, Natalie Evans, membership manager at the IPIA, tells us about her journey working at the organisation and championing the medium of print over the past four years
When I first told my friends I was working in the print industry, the most common reaction I got was: “What, like Dunder Mifflin?” – for anyone unfamiliar, that’s the fictional paper company featured in The Office. Safe to say, my Gen Z peers didn’t know much about print, and honestly, neither did I when I first joined. I’d heard of a few big manufacturer names, but that was about it.
When I read the first Fresh Perspectives article in Print Monthly, which talked about the common belief that “print is dying,” I completely related, because that’s what I thought at first, too. Four years later, I now know print is very much alive and thriving, and the sheer size and variety of the industry still amazes me.
I’m currently membership manager at the Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA), a title that only scratches the surface of what I do.
I started in August 2021 as an admin assistant, fresh from graduating in Psychology at the University of West England (UWE) in Bristol. Covid-19 made graduate jobs scarce, so I worked in care for a year before finding my way back to my love of media, and into print.
What surprised me most about this industry? The sheer enthusiasm for networking, and the fact that there are so many enjoyable, creative, and inspiring events
What surprised me most about this industry? The sheer enthusiasm for networking, and the fact that there are so many enjoyable, creative, and inspiring events. My very first industry networking experience was at the stunning Fujifilm Photography House and Century Club in London. That day opened my eyes to the emotion and storytelling behind print. I saw the incredible Jet Press work and explored stunning photography, and I left with my first real glimpse of print’s magic.
It wasn’t long before I was thrown into the deep end of event management, helping run our flagship IPIA Recognising Excellence Expo and Gala Dinner. Having always been “the organiser” among my friends for trips and activities, I loved it, and it gave me the chance to meet our Council and members, many of whom are still with us today.
I won’t lie, in the early days, imposter syndrome was real. I had zero industry experience and was suddenly in conversations with people who had been in print for decades. But I quickly learned that this industry is full of people with fascinating stories, who are generous with their time and genuinely enjoy building real relationships.
Fast-forward to today, print has taken me to places I never expected. At the start of this year, I found myself at the Formula One base in Monza, Italy, learning about Roland DG’s latest technology, including the TrueVIS XP-640, and hearing about their partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team.
While I love attending other people’s events, I get just as much joy from running events for the IPIA. Over the last few years, the IPIA’s events calendar has expanded well beyond our flagship Expo and Gala Dinner. We now run networking lunches where people move tables course by course, giving a structured networking experience, mixed with plenty of laughs.
There’s also our Golf Day, which combines a healthy dose of competition with relaxed, open conversation (and often some questionable putting skills). We also exhibit at trade shows like The Print Show, which give us the chance to meet new faces, catch up with members, and keep our finger on the pulse of the latest innovations. It’s a mix of business and fun, and proof that networking in print is never dull.
The truth is, imposter syndrome never completely goes away, but my knowledge and confidence have grown massively. I now know how to explain to my friends exactly how print touches all our lives, in ways they’ve never realised.
For me, one thing is certain – print businesses should never underestimate the value of stepping out of the office for a day. Whether it’s to share stories with peers, explore new technology, expand your offering, or just enjoy good company, the networking and inspiration you gain is invaluable.
I’ve now run around 20 industry events with the IPIA, and I’m still learning, but I’ll always have a soft spot for a great networking day. If you’ve never been to one, why not make our next event your first? We hold our Annual Conference annually (usually at the end of August) as well as the IPIA Big Breakfast, which is a free online networking event which takes place quarterly throughout the year.
There’s also our IPIA Recognising Excellence event which takes place this year on December 3rd, at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford-Upon-Avon. The event includes a networking lunch, expo, gala dinner, and awards ceremony, and is a great way to celebrate the year gone by as an industry.
