The three-day event was originally scheduled to take place earlier this month, but in December was pushed back to 16-18 May 2021, featuring, for the first time Sunday opening.

Moving the SDUK event to 22-24 March 2022 effectively means the annual show has been forced to cancel for the second consecutive year after the 2020 edition was scrapped as a result of the pandemic.

SDUK event director Jenny Matthew said it was not feasible to run the event in May this year due to government restrictions which state that the earliest large scale events will be able to take place will be 21 June.

“We’ve consulted widely with our SDUK community who want to see us stay in our early spring date in line with their buying and innovation cycles. We will therefore host the industry’s biggest reunion next March at a time when we are confident we can deliver an exceptional tradeshow experience for our exhibitors, sponsors, and visitors,” said Matthew.

While Faversham House had focused on producing a series of SDUK online events last year, on topics ranging from materials and substrates, textiles and cutting, and laser masterclasses as well as webinars on making more money in wide-format, Matthew said it had also used the time to review the event’s format.

“We have reviewed all aspects of exhibiting; from driving down on-site costs to creating multiple lead generation points for year-round promotion and enhanced return on investment.

“SDUK22 offers the full 365 exhibiting package. With an already packed floorplan we look forward to bringing more exhibitors on board over the coming months, and welcoming the industry back, in March 2022.”