ships. Fast-forward to today, print has taken me to places I never expected. At the start of this year, I found myself at the Formula One base in Monza, Italy, learning about Roland DG’s latest technology, including the TrueVIS XP-640, and hearing about their partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team. While I love attending other people’s events, I get just as much joy from running events for the IPIA. Over the last few years, the IPIA’s events calendar has expanded well beyond our flagship Expo and Gala Dinner. We now run networking lunches where people move tables course by course, giving a structured networking experience, mixed with plenty of laughs. There’s also our Golf Day, which combines a healthy dose of competition with relaxed, open conversation (and often some questionable putting skills). We also exhibit at trade shows like The Print Show, which give us the chance to meet new faces, catch up with members, and keep our finger on the pulse of the latest innovations. It’s a mix of business and fun, and proof that networking in print is never dull. The truth is, imposter syndrome never completely goes away, but my knowledge and confidence have grown massively. I now know how to explain to my friends exactly how print touches all our lives, in ways they’ve never realised. For me, one thing is certain – print businesses should never underestimate the value of stepping out of the office for a day. Whether it’s to share stories with peers, explore new technology, expand your offering, or just enjoy good company, the networking and inspiration you gain is invaluable. I’ve now run around 20 industry events with the IPIA, and I’m still learning, but I’ll always have a soft spot for a great networking day. If you’ve never been to one, why not make our next event your first? We hold our Annual Conference annually (usually at the end of August) as well as the IPIA Big Breakfast, which is a free online networking event which takes place quarterly throughout the year. There’s also our IPIA Recognising Excellence event which takes place this year on December 3rd, at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford-Upon-Avon. The event includes a networking lunch, expo, gala dinner, and awards ceremony, and is a great way to celebrate the year gone by as an industry. ▲ [L to R] Brendan Perring and Natalie Evans from the IPIA with Natasha Sambhi from Successful Events 60 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk September / October 2025 - Issue 356 To learn more about the IPIA, and its events visit https://ipia.org.uk FRESH PERSPECTIVES | NATALIE EVANS What surprised me most about this industry? The sheer enthusiasm for networking, and the fact that there are so many enjoyable, creative, and inspiring events For More Information
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