port from show to show,” Corcoran says, adding: “The range of fabric products we offer are all washable meaning they can be reused multiple times, reducing waste, and making them even more hassle-free. “Aside from the practical benefits soft signage can have a more premium, stylish look with seamless branding and no harsh joins! For us, it’s our go-to for any event we attend and a solution we recommend to our trade customers.” Commenting on the issue of correct and responsible disposal of graphics after an event, Corcoran says that with the right product choice you can negate the need to dispose of signage after being used on your event stand. When Very does exhibitions, the company ensures it uses reusable products like its Tube Fabric Display back walls and Tube Counters, all of which are washable and reusable so don’t need to be thrown away after use. The Modular Tube Fabric System with connectors and joining feet means people can use multiple sized walls to configure different spaces and use them time and time again. “We are certainly seeing a growth in the industry beyond just one-use shell schemes, and an understanding that event kits don’t have to be short life anymore with the right product selection and design. “This is where our Modular Tube Fabric Display systems come in handy to re-configure and reuse the same kit for multiple shows. Another trend we’re seeing is the use of illuminated signage (all LED environmentally friendly options) to stand out from other exhibitors. For instance, our illuminated SEG pop-up which is configurable for different spaces, as well as our LED lightboxes becoming popular choices.” Bye PVC, Hello Honeycomb From soft signage and textiles to sustainable alternatives to rigid solutions such as PVC, MDF, and PUR foam boards traditionally used for exhibitions. There are a couple of board options on offer namely Dufaylite’s UltraBoard honeycomb board solution which is supplied by Premier Paper Group, and Antalis’ Xanita Board. Premier Paper Group made a lasting impact, as it often does, at Sign and Digital UK in March. The company teamed up with newly acquired merchant GPMI to demonstrate its standout display materials. Designed and produced by DCE, a West Midlands-based exhibition contractor, the 2023 SDUK Premier stand saw ◄ Nick Lindwall, a company director of Ottimo Digital Crew continues: “There’s a lot more demand these days for the soft signage and silicone edge systems are becoming much more popular. We’re doing a lot more print for those types of systems.” Nick Lindwall, also a company director of Ottimo reiterates that the growth side of the exhibition space has come from modular systems and textile fabric with the company seeing a lot of growth uptake in that area. The environmental side of the signage and graphics industry is something that Ottimo feels needs to improve with Lindwall saying it’s as much about reusability as recyclability. “We do use materials that are eco-friendly and inks that are water-based and eco-friendly but I think the key is when you pair those with a modular system you get a print that can be used and re-used several times over and I think that’s part of a bigger picture of recycling. “I think a bit of joined-up thinking is needed. We don’t have a lot of control over what happens to the printed product once it leaves us. So, it’s thinking about the full lifecycle of the print once it goes into the exhibition hall, how it gets taken away, and disposed of if it needs to be disposed of. So I think it’s a case of joining all those processes together.” Soft Signage Solutions Another company that produces fabric soft signage solutions for the exhibition and events industry is Very Displays. Kirsty Corcoran, marketing manager of the company says Very sees the trend of using soft signage for exhibition stands growing with the percentage of orders for tube and fabric displays increasing over traditional PVC banner vinyl solutions. “Firstly, fabric graphics are incredibly easy to use, assemble, store, and transThe global events and exhibition market is now expected to reach $50.01bn (£39.94bn) by 2027 with a CAGR of 3.54% Factoid decline in the exhibition industry in 2020 due to Covid-19 68% TASTE FOR SUCCESS / EXHIBITION STAND SYSTEMS ▼Ottimo Digital says textiles are increasingly popular choices for exhibitions 60 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 247 - June / July 2023
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