IPIA sets date for key networking event
More than 130 print professionals are expected to attend the IPIA Annual Networking Lunch on June 18th in Birmingham
The Print Show has announced a partnership with industry veteran, Mark Stephenson, for its tenth anniversary event later this year
The Print Show has announced the addition of print industry expert, Mark Stephenson, to its events team for 2026.
The Print Show is the UK's leading annual trade exhibition dedicated entirely to the commercial printing industry, serving as the primary meeting point for manufacturers, suppliers, and print service providers (PSPs) to showcase new technology, network, and attend educational seminars.
Stephenson, who has worked in the printing industry for almost 50 years, will take on the role of ‘Knowledge Zone Maestro’, overseeing what will be another packed programme within the Knowledge Zone speaker area of The Print Show.
A well-known figure in the UK and European print industry, he is best known for his time working at Fujifilm, where he worked from 1999 until earlier this year.
Print Monthly recently spoke to Stephenson following his announcement that he will leave the company to seek new challenges, reflecting on his enduring history in the print industry and discussing what comes next for him.
After leaving Fujifilm, Mark has launched his own promotions business, with The Print Show – and co-located The Sign Show – among his first working partnerships through the new venture.
“We’re delighted to be working directly with Mark at the show this year,” says Chris Davies, event director of both The Print Show and The Sign Show. “Mark is one of the most knowledgeable people in UK print and is highly respected across the market.
“We are absolutely committed to evolving the shows year-on-year, and The Knowledge Zone is one example of this. Since revamping the area three years ago, it has gone from strength to strength, welcoming expert speakers from across the industry and further afield.”
Discussing Stephenson’s role at the show, Davies adds: “This year, we are taking it a step further, with Mark overseeing the speaker area each day of the show, serving as our master of ceremonies and bringing his own creativity to the zone.”
The Print Show has also partnered with Colin Sinclair McDermott, aka The Online Print Coach, to launch Print Mastermind Live! – a new feature area for 2026 presenting expert group sessions for print professionals.
Developed in partnership with Sinclair McDermott, the area will allow visitors across both The Print Show and The Sign Show to meet and connect with knowledgeable experts from the wider print market.
In addition, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) recently confirmed its return to The Print Show this year with style, revealing it will almost treble the size of its stand for the event’s tenth anniversary.
The manufacturer’s stand will measure in at 230sq m, with Konica Minolta showcasing a range of new products across digital, inkjet, label, and finishing, with details of these to be revealed closer to the event.
