Ahead of The Print Show and the all-new, co-located The Sign Show opening their doors tomorrow, visitors are being encouraged to get involved with several special features running throughout the two events.
Now in its ninth year, The Print Show is the leading print industry event in the UK, welcoming thousands of visitors each year and allowing them to access well-known manufacturers, suppliers and other solution providers from all areas of the market.
This year, The Print Show will be co-located with a brand-new event in The Sign Show, which has been designed to serve the diverse UK signage market. Exhibitors will cover everything from vehicle wrapping and wide-format print, to signage installation and event displays.
Both events will take place in Hall 3 of the NEC from 23-25 September, opening from 10am to 5pm on the Tuesday and Wednesday, then 10am to 4pm on the Thursday. While those in attendance will be using the shows to catch up on the latest developments across print and sign-making, several special, in-event features will help shed more light on both markets.
“We are all about giving visitors the best day possible at both The Print Show and The Sign Show,” said event director, Chris Davies. “Of course, the main attraction is always going to be our fantastic exhibitors and their incredible line-up of solutions, but for those seeking more insight into key trends and talking points, we highly recommended dropping in on our feature areas.”
Expert speakers at the Knowledge Zone
Making a return this year is the ever-popular Knowledge Zone, which will again play host to a range of expert speakers from all corners of the industry. Located in The Print Show section of the hall, the Knowledge Zone will feature sessions that will be of value to all attendees, whether they are from print, signage or other backgrounds.
Among the highlights on day one this year will be Jeremy Page and George Kowalowski of BrandNation, leading a session on the future of AI in print. Tom Willday, founder of Willsow, will share his experience of appearing on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den with his clever innovation: the world’s first plantable children’s book. Day one will also feature a panel session from the FESPA UK Next Generation, a look at automation with Nate Duckworth of Artworker, and a discussion with Two Sides on EUDR and what this means for printers.
Day two begins with Solopress CEO Simon Cooper and a look at the environmental impact of AI, before the Printing Charity hosts a Knowledge Exchange Live session on wellbeing in the workplace. Visitors can also join Deborah Corn for a talk on selling the security of print, drop in on a panel discussion on futureproofing your business, and find out more about how to use your website as a sales tool.
The final day begins with Jack Good of Reuseabox and the power of circularity in packaging, followed by Mark Bidewell offering an insight into 50 years of BISON. At 1pm, the Online Print Coach Colin Sinclair McDermott will host a live Printerview with Nicole Spencer of RMC Digital Print, ahead of a panel talk about drawing younger people to print and signage. The sessions conclude with a discussion on why print is an attractive career prospect for women.
Get hands on at The Sign Show
Meanwhile, in The Sign Show section of Hall 3, visitors will be able to test out their skills at several sign-making techniques, with three special areas offering a hands-on experience to all visitors.
The centrepiece School of Wrap will showcase vehicle and architectural wrapping, with live demos being carried out by some of the leading wrapping specialists in the UK including CVi Group and SPACE Architectural Interiors. All Print Supplies and Fedrigoni will also support the area, with visitors able to have a go at wrapping vehicles and architectural items. In addition, FESPA UK will be on hand to recycle any waste materials through its coveted Waste Accreditation initiative.
Around the corner in The Sign Show will be Neon Insights, which, led by the talented team at Neon Creations, will celebrate the incredible art of neon signage. Visitors can learn about the heritage of neon signs and see how these pieces are brought to life. On top of this, there will be the opportunity for visitors to try neon glass bending – under the watchful, expert eye of Neon Creations’ staff.
Finally, the Traditional Sign-Making Masterclass will showcase the techniques that helped shape the modern signage market. David Mearns of Signmode will offer live demos of sign writing, screen printing on a flat table and on walls, and both water and transfer leaf gilding, while visitors can try their hand at sign writing on white emulsion boards.
“We’re really excited to be hosting these four feature areas this year,” Davies said. “We truly believe each area offers real value to visitors, allowing them to pick up expert guidance and hints and tips that they can take away with them and put to practice in their own business.”
