It has developed a new website, which has now gone live and, according to event director Rudi Blackett, has a fresh new look with a strong visual impact to reflect innovation in the industry.
A number of developments for the 30th iteration of the Birmingham-based trade show, which will again take place at the NEC this year from 28-30 March 2017, will be announced in the coming months.
Blackett said: “The 30th anniversary show is going to be a fantastic event that will not only celebrate the industry’s innovation and achievements but also really focus on the future of this remarkable industry.
“We were rushed off our feet at the 2016 show rebooking exhibitors for the 30th anniversary event.”
The 2017 show already has 42% of its exhibitors rebooked from last year, the highest rebooking percentage for the show in “recent years”. There will also be a number of new exhibitors at the show, including APA, Universal Laser Systems and North East Signs.
Other confirmed exhibitors for 2017 include Blackman & White, Epson and Perfect Colours.
Figures independently audited by BPA Worldwide found that there there were 6,240 unique visitors at last year’s show.
“We are always striving for 'quality' visitors in 'quantity'. Senior decision-makers account for 80% of the attendance and 88% of visitors are involved in the buying decision,” said Blackett.
Last year, a number of its exhibitors used the show to launch new products, including Shimmerdisc, QPS and Lightbar.
Blackett is also confident about the current state of the wide-format industry.
“The wide-format industry continues to be in good health; it’s very much about applications and the increasing uses of output, which in turn creates new opportunities and new markets,” he added.
“There are developments in materials, inks, signage and display systems and finishing equipment that continue to drive the market forwards. The future looks bright for the industry.”
