IPC has announced an investment strategy that will see the establishment of an events and exhibitions business. IPC LIVE! has plans for four new initiatives during the next six months to build on the company’s branded event activities, with steadily increasing activity planned for the coming year.
“The exhibitions market is a dynamic and growing business, with events up 11% year on year and currently attracting over 10m visitors a year,” said Sly Bailey, IPC’s chief executive, “We see the development of this business as core to the IPC Media strategy.”
IPC already organises eight exhibitions, including The Decanter Fine Wine Encounter and VolksWorld Show. Stephanie Grice, who is to head up IPC LIVE! said, “The wealth of the IPC portfolio has already given us double-digit launch activity and we also have a programme of development priorities. IPC has a portfolio of brands which translate extremely well into live events. It’s a powerful example of IPC’s brand-centric, media-neutral strategy in action.”
Grice was the former director of events with Gruner + Jahr (UK). She joined IPC in October last year as its first director of exhibitions and events. She will be joined in the new division by commercial director Jo Restall, previously ad director with Gruner + Jahr (UK). Restall is to implement commercial strategy across all IPC LIVE! business. Sharon Moore, former creative solutions manager with Emap Advertising, will head a team driving new revenue across events, exhibitions and roadshows. Katie Raper will be show manager, having previously held the position for the Prima Baby Show and Prima Roadshow at G+J (UK). Theresa Brill, formerly of Warner Home Videa will be events coordinator, while Emma Gough will be events assistant.
