Theijc Reveals Plans For 2019

550 participants coming from 26 countries contributed to a record attendance of the 5th edition of The Inkjet Conference (TheIJC). Technology users and suppliers from all areas of inkjet engineering and inkjet chemistry praised the educational and networking aspects of an intense two-day conference programme. Following excellent attendee feedback, first exhibitors and presenters have already booked their space at the next editions of TheIJC in the USA (22-23 May 2019 in Chicago) and in Europe (29-30 October 2019 in Düsseldorf).

In just five years TheIJC has established itself as the meeting point of the inkjet industry. With all the major printhead manufactures present and representatives from key industries, this is where the future is planned. The senior technical staff from leading system integrators such as Domino, Durst, EFI, Inca, Kerajet, Markem-Imaje, System Group are joined by innovation experts from e.g. Boeing, Bosch, Nike, Saint Gobain or Tetra Pak, as well as major research institutes. The conference discusses how inkjet is being adopted as a manufacturing process in aeronautics, packaging, sportswear and design, as well as in textiles, ceramics, laminates, security print and graphics. This year, printed electronics were covered by several research papers and biomedical applications are starting to emerge, proving that the inkjet community continues to expand and is welcoming new applications and new players.

Traditionally, the conference attracts high numbers of first-time visitors. Matt Ezenyilimba, Manager of Water Based Ink Technology at EFI was among 200 newcomers and he stated: “The sessions and exhibits were very informative. Very good presentations and varieties of topics covered. I wish the conference was longer to help digest all the information and network.” Virendra Bhavasar from the Mumbai-based Asha Penn Color added: “The presentations covered a wide range of topics and yet were all connected by our common research interests. The socialising opportunities afforded by the fine scheduling allowed me to form connections with other professionals in our field.”

Organised by the European Specialist Printing Manufacturers Association (ESMA), Digital Direct Technologies Ltd., in cooperation with drupa, sponsored by MS Italy and with media support of “Specialist Printing Worldwide”, TheIJC has already opened the application process for their upcoming events. After the successful inauguration earlier this year, the conference returns to Chicago O’Hare on 22-23 May 2019 and the 6th edition of the European event will take place on 29-30 October 2019 at Crowne Plaza Düsseldorf.