Print takes centre stage at Cannes Lions The Strategic Mailing Partnership (SMP), Marketreach, and PrintGreen joined forces to champion mail and print marketing at this year’s edition of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The annual Cannes Lions brings together thousands of the world’s leading brands, agencies, media owners, technology companies, and creative leaders, with attendees focused on the future direction of global marketing. This year marked the launch of Mail Unleashed LIVE, which, led by advertising legend Rory Sutherland, gave delegates insight into the opportunities of mail in the modern marketing mix. Speakers discussed the role of direct mail within integrated campaigns, highlighting its ability to build trust, cut through an increasingly crowded media landscape and complement digital channels. The appearance at Cannes forms part of a wider effort by SMP, Marketreach, and PrintGreen to raise the profile of print and mail among brands, agencies, and marketers. The organisations are now exploring ways to expand the industry’s presence at next year’s festival. Printing Charity announces dates for 2026 Luncheon Tickets are now on sale for the Printing Charity’s 197th Annual Luncheon, which will mark the start of the charity’s 200th year. This year the Luncheon will take place on Thursday 19th November at Plaisterers ’ Hall, starting with a drinks reception at midday, with the event set to conclude by around 3:30pm. The Luncheon will be held at Plaisterers’ Hall in central London for the second year in a row, with the larger venue enabling more people in the sector to attend the event. The event will involve a keynote speech from the charity’s 2026 honorary president: actress, author, businesswoman, and politician Baroness Floella Benjamin. Neil Lovell, chief executive officer of the Printing Charity, says: “Marking as it does the start of the Printing Charity’s 200th year, the Luncheon this year is set to be even more special than usual.” Tickets for the event will include a drinks reception with canapes, a three -course meal with wine, and coffee and petit fours. Those wishing to attend or to find out more information about the event have been encouraged to visit the Printing Charity website, or to contact director of marketing and engagement, Liz Ross Martyn, at liz@theprintingcharity.org.uk. 28 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk September | October 2026 - Issue 362 printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink printmonthly EVENTS | NEWS IPIA challenges print industry to ‘rediscover its value’ at Annual Conference The Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) has hosted its Annual Conference where it invited the print industry to “rethink how it creates, communicates, and captures its value.” Held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, this year’s theme: “Print to Performance – Unlocking our Industry’s True Potential”, aimed to reflect a growing opportunity for the print industry to demonstrate the measurable value it creates for consumers and the wider business economy. The Conference included a line-up of print industry leaders, economists, marketing experts, and academics that examined the commercial, technological, and cultural forces shaping the future of print. The event also explored how businesses from across the sector can strengthen their competitiveness, adapt to changing markets, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth. Speaking ahead of the event, Natalie Evans, associate general manager of the IPIA, said: “We have brought together people who can challenge how we think, but who can also give delegates insight which they can translate into action – whether that is improving how they communicate value to customers, developing their people, understanding the economy, adopting new technology, or simply looking differently at where their next opportunity might come from. “Equally, we recognise that running a business can sometimes be challenging. One of the things I value most about bringing our community together is seeing people realise that the challenges they are wrestling with are often shared by somebody sitting two seats away.” Beyond a full speaker programme at the Conference, delegates got to experience an expo and networking hub where technology and media developers, suppliers, and service providers showcased the latest innovations and discussed emerging industry trends. By Jonthan Pert The Luncheon which will mark the start of the charity’s 200th year By Jonthan Pert Rory Sutherland led the Mail Unleashed LIVE panel at this year’s Cannes Lions By Jonthan Pert The speaker lineup included print industry leaders, economists, marketing experts, and academics
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