56 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 258 - April / May 2025 through to full white label installation and dismantle. Modular solutions present an opportunity for suppliers, including large-format printers, to support exhibitors in adapting to these changing needs.” Adapting and Innovating Also active in this market is Very Displays, whose marketing manager, Kirsty Corcoran, says the UK events and exhibitions sector has recovered particularly well from the pandemic and, as such, presents plenty of opportunities to sign companies. “I would say overall, the industry is not only recovering but also adapting and innovating,” she says, adding: “Our business growth year-on-year also supports this, as customers are definitely back investing in event and display solutions, proving it’s still a trusted method in the marketing mix. “2024 saw the exhibition market continue to boom and we’re seeing demand on the rise for certain products and categories spilling into 2025.” Among these focus areas, Corcoran says, are multi-use displays, explaining that with the right product selection and design, companies can negate the need to dispose of displays after being used on their event stand or the need for a large complex build “When we do exhibitions, we ensure we use reusable products from our range like our Modular Tube Fabric Display Backwalls and Tube Counters,” Corcoran explains, continuing: “All of these have sturdy hardware and washable graphics, making them reusable and a more environmentally friendly option.” Other areas to keep an eye on include LED portable displays stands, with Corcoran saying lightbox stands are really “having their moment”. Very Displays recently launched its new Premium LED Lightbox range, with this already drawing plenty of interest from customers and partners. In addition, Corcoran advises those in this market to consider soft signage. She explains that fabric display graphics continue to become the more popular option when exhibiting, and more customers are moving from the traditional pop-up style products to SEG application or textile graphic sleeves. “By utilising a trusted trade supplier in the industry that has a wide range of experiences that genuinely engage visitors. Static displays are no longer enough; interactivity, immersion, and brand storytelling are now central to success.” However, to take advantage of demand, Longley says sign-makers and similar businesses must take current trends into account. Highlighting some of the more important areas, he says sustainability is, and will continue to be, a key area to address when creating exhibition stands. In addition to this, he says ROI and visitor engagement are under the spotlight. According to Longley, exhibitors are not just asking how their stand will look; they want to know how it will perform. Exhibitors also expect immersive experiences through technology, creative design, and interactive elements, all of which are key to driving footfall, brand impact, and lead generation. Finally, he points to the rising popularity of modular stand solutions and offers this advice to companies in the market: “The shift from fully custom-built stands to reconfigurable, scalable designs reflects the need for cost efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. At Tecna, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-designed modular system can help exhibitors get more from their investment; using adaptable structures, reconfigurable graphics, and smart lighting to create high-impact spaces that can evolve with their needs.” Tecna says it can support sign-makers and wide-format printers with all their modular display needs. The company holds a large stock of the T3 modular display system that is both reuseable and reconfigurable. “It’s easy to build and no tools are required,” Longley says, adding: “Tecna provide a range of services from supply of components and modular stand design 2024 saw the exhibition market continue to boom and we’re seeing demand on the rise for certain products and categories spilling into 2025 ▲ Tecna works with partners across a range of industries including Sony, IKEA, and Amazon EXHIBITION STANDS Recent research from UFI shows global exhibition space sales in 2024 were 9% higher than in 2019 Factoid
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