The show is on target to be at least 10% bigger than the 2015 event, according to Sign & Digital UK event director Rudi Blackett.
“We are expecting over 7,000 visitors this year,” he said. “We have seen visitor numbers increase by 20% since 2013 and are predicting a further increase for this year.”
The trade exhibition for the sign making, display solutions and digital printing industry returns to the NEC in Birmingham from 19 to 21 April.
“Papergraphics will have a significant presence at the show for the first time, while Colourbyte, Route1Print and Swanline Paper & Board have also taken stands for the first time. Epson are back at the show with a big stand, and a new series of printers.
"The success of the show reflected a buoyant market," he said, adding that textile printing and finishing continue to be on a “growth curve”.
“Soft signage has grown enormously with innovative displays and applications such as fabric tensions systems, and feather flags.
“Wall décor is another growth market. Print technology and new substrates have really opened up this market.
“It can be tricky to get the best image resolution, but the effects can be amazing in transforming work and leisure spaces. Floor graphics are developing and printing on glass is one to watch.”
On the show itself, Blackett said: “The seminar programme will be announced shortly, but we have two new features to help visitors plan their time at the show.
“Live Demos Timetable will highlight when exhibitors are doing full demonstrations of products. An On-line Meetings Planner will allow visitors to pre-arrange meetings with suppliers.”
The secret to the event's success was it was a “buying show”, he explained. “Many visitors wait for the show to benefit from show offers and to compare new products.
“Coupled with advice and learning about new products and market opportunities, this is what makes the show successful.”
Themes for this year are creativity, innovation and choice and targeting people running a business, starting a business or looking to diversify, for example into wide-format.
“There are an increasing number of commercial printers now diversifying into wide-format to broaden their product offering and customer bases.
“The market is driven by technology and new products. It is easy to get left behind, and where margins are tight, new products at an attractive price point are a priority.”
Blackett said show size has increased by 33% since 2013 with a further 10% growth expected for 2016.
“The success of the 2015 show, which attracted just over 6,800 visitors and more than 180 exhibitors has cemented our reputation,” he said.
More than 200 exhibitors expected at the show include confirmed attendees Agfa Graphics, Canon, Colourgen/Mutoh, Epson, Esko, Hewlett-Packard, Hybrid Services/Mimaki, Jetrix and Roland DG.
Antalis, CMYUK, Perfect Colours, QPS, Signmaster Systems and Vivid Laminating are all taking larger stands.
New or returning exhibitors include Complete Sign Illumination/GE Lighting, Daltons Wadkin, KIP, Papergraphics, Rollsroller AB, Route1Print, Snap Products and Universal Sign Systems.
Visit: www.signanddigitaluk.com
