WAN-Ifra is creating a new global forum event for printers on lines similar to the World Editors Forum.

The new World Printers Forum will include experts from newspaper printing and production operations and vendors of related equipment to address issues of concern and foster innovation.

Chief executive Vincent Peyrègne (pictured) says it is important not to overlook print – which still attracts 2.5 billion daily readers and produces more than 93 per cent of revenues – even though digital media gets most attention: “Our members engaged in printing and production operations, and the suppliers who provide much of the innovation in this sector, are key assets to our industry,” he says.

The new WPF concept follows requests for a global platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices.

An inaugural conference will be held during the World Publishing Expo in Amsterdam (October 13-15) and feature print innovations, ideas on making a profit centre of a printing plant, savings from “going green” and latest developments in digital printing (with cost calculation models).

The World Printers Forum will guide WAN-Ifra’s activities in the segment, promoting print’s unique value and encouraging creation of innovative products. It is expected a board of production experts and supplier representatives will drive the initiative.

Deputy chief executive and executive director Manfred Werfel says the Advisory Council made it clear that print is an integral part of the news publishing business: “In combination with mobile digital publishing platforms, print contributes to the success of newspaper publishing,” he says. “The World Printers Forum will set the focus in this area and combine forces of publishers, printers and suppliers.”

For more information, email manfred.werfel@wan-ifra.org