The three-day signage and wide-format trade show, which organisers promise will be “vibrant and exciting”, is opening on a Sunday to enable sole traders and small business owners to attend without interrupting their working week.

Event director Tony Gardner said: “We have seen first-hand how visitors appreciate coming to exhibitions on a Sunday. It gives them a more relaxed opportunity to take in the event, and we have found they stay longer and enjoy more of what is on offer.”

The show was bought by Datateam Business Media in June and will run alongside Printwear & Promotion Live!, another of Datateam’s events, for the first time. A link will be opened between the two halls, allowing for easy access from one into the other, without the need to exit and re-enter by way of the two entrances.

Confirmed exhibitors include some of the biggest players in the sector, including Roland DG, Epson UK, Premier Paper, Soyang Europe, Vivid Laminating Technologies and Quality Print Services. More exhibitors are in the process of signing up with a number returning to the show after being absent. Gardner added that there will be a host of companies from across the sign and display industry ready to inform, entertain and meet with visitors.

Show features include the Sign Studio, which will host daily live demonstrations and practical workshops hosted by experienced sign-maker Paul Hughes. These sessions will allow visitors to learn more about the basics of vinyl application, vehicle livery, wall coverings and more.

It will also provide valuable guidance on how to make the jump between the Printwear & Promotion market into more traditional sign-making.

Also making a return are the Explains Lounge seminar programme and the Sign Surgery Q&A sessions.

Tony Gardner said: “We are hopeful of attracting a combined audience of around 9,000 across the three days. We have a great schedule of features in place, with lots more to announce over the coming weeks.”

For more information and to pre- register for free entry, visit www.signuk.com

Explains Lounge programme

Sessions include:

• How sign-makers can win more business with textile, garment and promotional printing
• Meaningful guidance and expert advice on the key issues in sustainability and their practical application
• Women in Sign and Graphics returns with a new focus and update
• The power of learning – hear from the people who are creating apprenticeships and academies aimed at encouraging more young talent into the industry
• We bring the latest technology trends in wide-format printing, cutting, finishing and software directly from the manufacturers and experts that are driving them