This year’s signmaking and digital print expo, which featured a range of product launches, kit demonstrations and daily seminars and workshops, attracted 6,115 visitors to Birmingham’s NEC from 29 April to 1 May, an 8% increase on 2013.
The survey, compiled by Zing Insights, was tasked with finding out what visitors liked about the show and what they would like to see more of in the future.
The results, from 858 respondents, showed that the main reasons people attended were to see new products, to keep up with industry trends, to find new ideas and inspiration and to review new suppliers.
90% of visitors were looking to invest in new equipment either at the show or in the following 12 months. 86% were part of the buying process of their company while 69% held director or managerial positions.
"This is first post-show visitor survey we have done for a while. The results reflect the fact that it was a busy buying show, which I believe is due to the improving economy and confidence returning allowing more capital equipment investment," said event director Rudi Blackett.
The most popular products and services at the show were wide-format digital printers, exterior signage and plotters/cutters while sign-making, digital printing and commercial printing were the most popular industries.
Top of the list of what visitors would like to see more of were materials and substrates and vehicle wrapping.
“We will be implementing new features next year to reflect what the market wants to see. There will be business advice on maximising new revenue streams from textile printing and other applications. Our seminar programme will focus on these opportunities with Q&A sessions," said Blackett.
"We will also respond to the request for more application demos and encourage more materials and substrates suppliers to get involved in the show. And we will work closely with exhibitors to showcase their launch products at the event."
76% of visitors said they will definitely or probably return for the 2015 show, which will take place in Halls 17 and 18 at the NEC on 24 to 26 March 2015.
"We are currently 23% ahead on stand bookings compared with the same time last year and companies including HP, Atech, Perfect Colours, Inktec/Jetrix and Printmax have booked bigger stands," said Blackett.
