Following a successful first outing in 2025, The Sign Show returns this year with more exhibitors, innovation, and opportunities for visitors to explore the latest developments shaping the UK sign-making sector
Bringing together leading manufacturers, suppliers, and industry experts, The Sign Show will once again showcase the latest innovations in signage.
Taking place alongside The Print Show at the NEC in Birmingham from September 29th to October 1st, The Sign Show offers visitors the opportunity to get hands-on with new equipment, explore the latest materials and applications, and speak directly with the people behind some of the industry’s biggest brands. Live demonstrations, product launches, and practical advice will feature throughout the three-day event.
Whether you are looking to invest in new technology, expand your service offering, or simply keep up to date with the latest developments, The Sign Show has something to offer. Ahead of this year’s event, we take a closer look at what visitors can expect and highlight some of the exhibitors and attractions not to miss.
Chris Davies is event director of both The Sign Show and The Print Show and has led the event team since the latter’s formation more than a decade ago. Speaking about the return of The Sign Show this year, he says organisers have built on the strong foundations laid by last year’s debut to deliver a bigger and more valuable event for visitors and exhibitors alike.
“The response to the launch of The Sign Show last year exceeded our expectations,” Davies says, adding: “Visitors told us they valued having a dedicated event for the sign-making industry, while exhibitors appreciated the opportunity to engage with high-quality buyers and decision-makers.
“Building on that success, we’re looking forward to delivering an even stronger event in 2026. We’ve expanded the exhibitor line-up, added new features and demonstrations, and we’re confident visitors will leave with plenty of ideas, valuable contacts, and practical solutions to help grow their businesses.”
We’ve expanded the exhibitor line-up, added new features and demonstrations, and we’re confident visitors will leave with plenty of ideas, valuable contacts, and practical solutions to help grow their businesses
Visitors can look forward to the return of the Traditional Sign-Making Masterclass, where those in attendance can experience and try their hand at some of the most celebrated sign-making methods – from signwriting and screen printing on a flat table and on walls, to water and transfer leaf gilding.
Meanwhile, the Knowledge Zone speaker area will be open and available to visitors across both events, once again playing host to some of the brightest minds in the industry. Topics up for discussion this year range from AI and sustainability to cybersecurity and business management.
However, attendees can also look forward to several new features at this year’s event. These include the BSGA Navigator, an area being run in collaboration with the British Sign & Graphics Association (BSGA). Designed to help show attendees identify the right exhibitors, technologies, and business opportunities, the independent feature area will offer expert guidance and facilitate valuable industry connections throughout the three-day exhibition.
Staffed by experts from the BSGA, the feature will act as a central hub where attendees can discuss their business requirements, and receive guidance on which exhibitors, technologies, and solutions are best suited to their needs.
Also new this year will be Print Mastermind Live!, which, developed in partnership with Colin Sinclair McDermott (The Online Print Coach) will be located within The Print Show area of the hall and will be open to visitors across both events. Focused on education, Print Mastermind Live! will be a dedicated, interactive zone designed to give business owners the chance to step away from the show floor and take part in open conversations about how to grow their business.
In addition, be sure to stop by The Print Show Podcast Booth, which, running in collaboration with Jack Gocher of Eye on Display, will play host to live podcasts throughout the two shows. Passers-by can see into the booth through a large glass window, while some lucky visitors may also get the opportunity to take part in podcast recordings from a variety of outlets and publications.
In terms of exhibitors, one of many returning names this year is Roland DG, which has taken a much larger stand after a successful show on year one. Rob Goleniowski, regional general manager for the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, and Baltics at Roland DG, says the manufacturer will bring one of its “most comprehensive” line-ups of hardware and software solutions to the show.
“It is a valuable opportunity to introduce our latest product developments, demonstrate real applications and better understand how businesses are planning to evolve their production capabilities,” Goleniowski says, adding: “For us, the show is not only about presenting technology. It is also about listening to the market, supporting existing customers, and helping new customers identify the right solutions for their business.”
So, what exactly can visitors expect from Roland DG this September? Goleniowski says the manufacturer will present a wide selection of solutions across eco-solvent, UV, and latex print technologies, including both roll-to-roll and flatbed applications.
These include recently launched solutions such as the TrueVIS VG4 Series eco-solvent print and cut devices, alongside the latest developments in our software and workflow solutions. Roland DG will also be showcasing technology designed to help print businesses expand into new applications, improve productivity, and get more value from their production environment.
The DG DIMENSE DA-640 will also return, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the potential of textured graphics and high-impact interior decoration applications.
Visitors do not need to be actively looking for a new investment to benefit from attending
“Overall, the stand will offer a broad view of how Roland DG can support different types of print businesses, from sign and graphics providers to companies looking to diversify into personalisation, UV printing, interior decoration, and more specialised applications,” says Goleniowski.
“Visitors do not need to be actively looking for a new investment to benefit from attending. They can also learn how to get more from their current equipment, explore new applications, improve their workflow, and understand where their business could go next.”
Also, back for 2026 is China Print Supplies, which has relocated from the back of the hall to the centre of The Sign Show. Managing director, Scott Clutton, says the company will exhibit from its largest stand to date in order to show a wider range of machines and attract more attention from visitors across both events.
“It reflects the demand we’re seeing from customers and gives us the space to demonstrate machines properly rather than just having them on display,” Clutton says, adding: “The Print Show and The Sign Show have become the best chance for UK businesses to see and compare the latest printing technology.
“There are some big names exhibiting, and we’re relishing the opportunity to show what our machines can deliver. We are very confident that people will be impressed by what they see.”
There are some big names exhibiting, and we’re relishing the opportunity to show what our machines can deliver
Clutton went on to say that China Print Supplies’ large presence at the show is important due to a bigger shift in the market that has been picked up on at other European shows this year. He says Chinese manufacturers are now matching and exceeding the established OEMs on build quality, output, and reliability – with The Sign Show being a stand-out opportunity for the company to demonstrate that shift directly.
“We think more of the industry is ready to have that conversation now than at any point since we started the business,” Clutton adds.
As to what China Print Supplies will be displaying on its stand at the show this year, Clutton says visitors can look forward to seeing is widest lineup to date, including the GZ HB18UV Pro Hybrid, the GZ Thunderjet AQ1084s, a brand new GZ1602 eco-solvent machine, the Sinocolor FB0906s with camera, the Dlican Rotary and 3325 flatbed, the Hapond double sided printer, and the Kartech GK1625 and GK2530 cutters.
On this, Clutton was also keen to highlight a special offer open to show visitors: “We are running an exclusive pre-show machinery offer for all the products on our stand. Customers can order a machine we are exhibiting with an additional discount and can then see it demonstrated live on our stand during the show, before having it installed at their premises in October.”
Joining Roland DG and China Print Supplies as returning exhibitors will be HP, which will also be showing a range of technology on its stand right at the front of the show. Among these is the HP Latex R530, the only compact all-in-one rigid and flexible machine within the HP Latex portfolio. The device can print at a top speed of 24sq m/hr in indoor mode and can run materials up to 1.6m wide and 5cm thick. It can also run a range of colours, including the popular white ink option.
Also on display will be the HP Latex 630W Print and Cut and HP Latex 830W machines, which Easton says demonstrate high-impact colour, white ink capability, and production efficiency. The HP Latex 630W has a top speed of 14sq m/hr in standard six-pass mode and can print on materials up to 1.63m, while the 830W is the faster of the two models at up to 36sq m/hr in outdoor mode, also with a maximum print width of 1.63m.
In addition, aside from its leading hardware solutions, HP will invite visitors to learn about the HP PrintOS Production Hub and how this software can help simplify job management, improve visibility, and support smarter decision making for both print and sign businesses.
Factoid: Co-located The Print Show will celebrate its tenth anniversary edition this autumn, with the event having hosted its first edition back in 2015
“The aim is not just to show machines, but to show how those machines fit into modern print and sign businesses,” Easton says, continuing: “Last year’s show delivered strong conversations with printers who are actively investing, diversifying, and modernising their businesses and that made it a clear priority to come back. Exhibiting again allows HP to build on established relationships, continue meaningful discussions started last year, and demonstrate long term commitment to the UK print community.
“The Sign Show and The Print Show are an opportunity for printers and sign companies to see technology running live, ask direct, practical questions, and explore new business directions.”
With an expanded exhibitor line-up, a host of returning favourites and several exciting new features, The Sign Show 2026 is shaping up to be an essential date in the diary for anyone working in the sign and graphics industry. Whether you are planning your next equipment investment, looking to diversify into new applications, or simply keen to keep pace with the latest developments, the event offers a unique opportunity to see the newest technology in action, gain practical business advice, and connect with suppliers and peers from across the sector.
Combined with The Print Show, visitors can explore an even broader range of solutions across print and signage, making a trip to the NEC this September a valuable investment of both time and opportunity.
