After being delayed until April due to concerns over Covid-19, the show which brings together people from the fashion, print, and promotional industries has completed a successful event in the NEC in Birmingham.

Visiting the show, it was clear to see the buzz and interest taking place between exhibitors and visitors who have been away from Printwear for over two years.

The show was filled with large, impressive stands with plenty of products, kit, and services to showcase. The scale of the event was exciting for any visitor, especially after exhibitions have been affected by the pandemic.

Printwear and Promotion LIVE, provides a refreshing opportunity for many in the industry as it combines different sectors of trade together. Walking through the exhibition demonstrated the variety of materials and services accessible to companies of all shapes and sizes.

The front and centre of the hall showcased everything from hoodies to teddy bears and workwear. To the one side of the hall was a variety of companies specialising in labels, ribbons, dye sublimation, and inks. On the other side of the venue was a host of heat presses, DTG (direct-to-garment) printers, and embroidery machines, all busy whirling away, creating a real buzz and sense of activity.

Speaking to Printwear and Promotion LIVE!, Chris and Nick Lewis of DS Screen Prints say: “We were excited to be out again and meeting new suppliers. We’ve come away with a lot of information that is helping us to form a better idea of what our purchasing requirements will be going forward for the next couple of years. Everyone is just so friendly, and the show has such a lovely atmosphere."

With a lot of technology and solutions on offer such as new sustainable products, and vivid print designs, there certainly wasn’t a shortage of items to see.

The big talking point of the show, however, was direct-to-film (DTF) with many exhibitors showcasing new innovative machines, unseen by many due to the loss of in-person events over the last two years.

Speaking to SignLink, Alex Mighall from R A Smart, says: “The first day of the show there was a massive queue waiting outside the door to see our new DTF machine, it’s been pretty manic.”

The Decoration Advice Suite gave advice on the topics of DTF, sustainability, and inks for textiles

One exhibitor told SignLink: “If DTF was a brand, it would be the hot ticket at the moment. But as its just a technique, it means there’s a lot of new machines, and ways of doing DTF at the show at the moment.”

The proof of DTF’s popularity can be seen in Printwear’s testimonials, such as Barry Barclay’s, who quotes: “We came mainly to see the direct-to-film printers and to see if it is what it’s meant to be. I think it’s going to be a game changer.”

Also speaking to Printwear, Bruce Brown of SignDesign, says: “This year we visited to find out more about direct-to-film printing as we are looking at adding this to our offering. It’s definitely the future of garment decoration. The show was very good this year and I’ll definitely be back.”

Printwear and Promotion’s range of products and lively atmosphere will certainly put it in good stead for a 2023 return. From The Decoration Advice Suite, and The Knowledge Centre, along with plenty of suppliers such as Roland, Grafityp UK, and Snuggle, Printwear and Promotion LIVE! 2022 was a great addition to the year’s reignited industry calendar.

If you have any news, email david@linkpublishing.co.uk or join in with the conversation on Twitter and LinkedIn.