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The World Print and Communication Congress is finally upon us

In a fortnight, about 1000 of the world's leading communication and print industry players, including producers and users of printed media and products from around the globe, will descend upon Cape Town, South Africa to attend The World Print and Communication Congress (WPC 8), held every four years in a different city around the globe.

Hosted by the World Print and Communication Forum (WPCF), the conference has to date attracted phenomenal interest, attributed to the line-up of world class speakers and the unique global networking opportunity it will offer delegates in one of the world's most beautiful cities: Cape Town.

The Congress theme of "The World of Print-Profiting Today and Tomorrow", will see delegates informed on current and future industry issues affecting global markets and will offer specific information on the major print markets of the world.

"This Congress marks the first time that the international graphics industries will meet on the continent of Africa. The world of print seems to be in a state of constant change, and it is the aim of this conference not only to identify these challenges, but to identify appropriate means to address them," explains Chris Sykes, WPCF President, and Chief Executive of the Printing Industries Federation of South Africa.

"The WPCF consists not only of the major national and trans-national printing organisations, but also major suppliers who are interested in the long term health of the industry globally. We face the same challenges, and it is our intention to work together with all stakeholders to ensure that we will all profit in the long term," he said.

With over 39 confirmed event sponsors and delegates from every continent on the globe, the congress is set to be a truly world-class gathering. The conference line-up concludes with a host of speakers and topics including;

  • A look at the Power of Print and the need for the industry to promote itself at a time when methods of communication are becoming increasingly complex. Michael Makin, CEO of Printing Industries of America will highlight the fact that print (ink on paper and countless other substrates) has consistently proven to be the most reliable medium to convey images and ideas.

  • Vice Chairman of one of the most significant newspaper groups in the United Kingdom, Jeremy Deedes, brings a unique perspective on the future of newspapers and the sale of the Telegraph Group to the Barclay brothers.

  • As with newspapers, magazines are an integral component of the printing industry. Brazilian Thomaz Souto Correa, board member of the Abril Group, Latin America's largest and most influential communication conglomerate, shares his definite views on what the future holds for magazine printers and publishers.

  • South Africa's own Graham Langmead is no newcomer to the world of advertising and will share his experiences of what advertisers want and expect from print. The advertising industry is the single largest influence on the decision whether to purchase print. The printing industry cannot afford to ignore the needs of the advertising industry, and Langmead's presentation will cover the expectations which will have to be met if the printing industry is to thrive.

  • The final speaker at WPC8 will offer delegates input on the concept of the "brand". Jeremy Sampson heads up the South African branch of Interbrand, the leading global branding and design consultancy, and will divulge how to design for print in today's new order, given that from having been the only communication medium for hundreds of years, print is now in competition with other media - the power of the "brand" is undisputed.

    The WPC8 organisers have a comprehensive delegates partners programme lined-up as well. The partners programme includes visiting a myriad of spectacular sights that the city of Cape Town has to offer including a cable car ride up Table Mountain, a visit to a diamond processing works and a visit to a wine estate, amongst others.

    WPC8 takes place from the 24 - 28 January 2005 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. For additional information on the full congress programme and respective partner programme, please go to www.wpc8.com. Interested parties may register on the WPC8 website.

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