Back in session
In-person in Lyon
Looking back at this edition of Intergraf Currency+Identity, just about everyone attending, listening to the speakers or talking to colleagues and acquaintances in the exhibition, during coffee breaks or at the social events, felt that it was good to be back.
It is true that information can be transmitted almost as efficiently electronically. Yet, the value a social interaction was brought home to most by its absence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We, Intergraf and Infosecura, had been talking about getting back to in-person for some time.
Back in August 2021, the headline on the cover of Infosecura 89 read: Where we’ll meet next year: Lyon, 6 to 8 April 2022.
We kept our fingers crossed that would be the case.
About three months later, as the next issue went to print, the front cover declared: WE ARE BACK!
Confidence and hope were evenly balanced.
Eventually, it took another quarter and yet another edition, published in March 2022, to enable us to say for sure: Back in session.
And back in session we were.
Intergraf welcomed 797 in-person attendees, as well as an additional 39 who followed online, from 54 countries around the world.
Online warm-up
Not surprisingly, having no real-life conference scene was not without benefits.
Intergraf introduced the concept of Warm-up Webinars. Held before the actual meeting, these lunchtime sessions were designed as ‘appetizers’. But they nevertheless aimed at a thorough and detailed transfer of information.
They proved to be very successful. So much so that they are still available to watch on demand.
It was a wonderful and fruitful time at Intergaf Currency+Identity. Thanks for the professional and well organised event.
Hope to see you all in Spain.
Ahmed Youssef
General Manager Banknote Printing
Central Bank of Egypt
Off to Spain
And so we are now headed to Bilbao.
Bilbao is definitely not the Spain we all know.
It is a far cry from the Costa de Sol - and has, of course, all the amenities necessary to host a large event like ours: a superb conference centre, good hotels, and a very convenient international airport (more about that soon )
Bilbao is the capital of the province of Vizcaya or Biscay, part of Spain's Basque Autonomous Community.
A former industrial hub, its recent claim to fame is its rise as a city of culture. The arrival of Frank Gehry’s emblematic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao marked the beginning of a process of transformation and urban regeneration that radically changed its image, turning it into a bastion of avant-garde architecture and contemporary art.
A fantastic event and. As always, very well organised.
It was like a breath of fresh air meeting everyone in person again. We’re looking forward to seeing you all in Bilbao.
Bernd Brunken
Sales and Marketing Manager
MELZER Maschinenbau GmbH
Getting ready
The preparations for Intergraf Currency+Identity 2023 have already begun.
Our Committee of Experts is taking stock of the latest developments in all segments of our industry. And already in the process of putting together the programme.
The customary ‘call for papers’ will be launched on 20 September 2022.
Exhibition sales will open a month later, on 18 October 2022.
All further details will be published online and our social media channels.
A fond farewell
You will, however, not be able to read about this upcoming event, or other newsworthy happenings in our industry, in Infosecura.
As announced in Lyon, the editor will take his leave and retire. To have worked on this magazine 15 years beyond the official retirement age should perhaps be taken as a sign that observing security printing is indeed highly interesting and stimulating.
The entire Intergraf team looks forward to welcoming you in Bilbao on 18-20/10/2023!
Manfred Goretzki
Editor, Infosecura
