While of course the internet provides companies with access to plenty of information about products for all areas of the sign market, this is not the same as being able to view these solutions up close. Being able to experience products and see how they perform in-person is much more valuable, especially in an industry that is as visual as the sign and display sector. Taking place for the first time this autumn, The Sign Show is billing itself as the dedicated sign expo for the UK market. Running from September 23rd to 25th in Hall 3 of the NEC in Birmingham, The Sign Show is seeking to fill a gap in the market for an event that is entirely focused on sign-making. “What this means is that we want to address the many areas of signage that currently do not have a major platform on which to showcase their solutions to the wider industry,” explains event director Chris Davies, who adds: “From signwriting, engraving, and vinyl wrapping to sign fabrication and traditional neon, the event will deliver something for everyone, no matter which area of the sign and display industry you work in. “The Sign Show aims to create a place for visitors to learn and expand ideas as well as to showcase what brands and marketing professionals can access to make their clients stand out in the modern world.” Early Additions While news of the new event is still fresh in the minds of industry members, organisers have wasted little time in gathering support for The Sign Show. During last year’s announcement launch at sister event, The Print Show, it was revealed that several leading industry voices are backing the show. Dubbed ‘The Fantastic Four’, Craig Brown, chairman of the British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA); Suzi Ward, managing director of FESPA UK; Sam Armstrong, founder and chief executive officer of Make it Happen Signage Consultancy; and Jack Gocher, editor of industry publication, Eye on Display, have all spoken publicly in support of the event. On top of this, recent weeks have seen the first additions to the floorplan for the much-anticipated inaugural show. These include Visive Group, a designer and manufacturer of LED contour linear solutions and smart technology, and Pacfort Group, a company that specialises in manufacturing engineered paper products. Meanwhile, Graphtec GB, the UK’s official Graphtec, Mutoh, and WidInnovations importer and distributor, was the first large-scale business to confirm it will exhibit at The Sign Show 2025. Operating off one of the larger stands at the show, Graphtec GB will be displaying a range of solutions, including specialist equipment machines and WID lasers, as well as printing technology from Mutoh, with Graphtec GB having recently become a distributor for the manufacturer. Co-location Benefits As to why it has decided to support a year-one show, Tom Kneale, director at Graphtec GB, says The Sign Show’s positioning alongside The Print Show is a “perfect match” for the company, presenting it with the opportunity to connect with customers across both the print and signage markets. The Sign Show 2025 will run alongside and in the same hall as The Print Show. The Print Show is now established as the UK’s leading large-scale print event, drawing thousands of visitors every year. While The Sign Show will remain fiercely dedicated to sign-making crafts, attendees with interests in the signage and print markets will be able to pass freely between both events to explore the latest solutions across these vibrant sectors. Delivering a dedicated event for the UK sign market 28 Issue 257 - February / March 2025 www.signlink.co.uk With excitement continuing to build ahead of this year’s debut edition of The Sign Show, we take a closer look at what the UK industry can expect from the dedicated sign and display event THE SIGN SHOW 2025 ▲ The Sign Show will be co-located with The Print Show in 2025
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