Make it Happen to run daily workshops at The Sign Show

The Sign Show has announced that Make it Happen Signage Consultancy will be running specialist workshops pre-show and on each day of the event this year.

Taking place for the first time from 23^rd to 25^th September in Hall 3 of Birmingham’s NEC, The Sign Show will welcome visitors from across the market for three days dedicated to the UK sign-making industry.

As part of a commitment to educate and inform visitors to help them grow their business, The Sign Show will be working in partnership with Make it Happen Signage Consultancy to deliver added value for attendees.

Beginning the day before The Sign Show opens its doors for the first time, Sam Armstrong, founder and chief executive officer of Make it Happen, will run daily workshops, each tailored to support signage companies.

All sessions will take place in a dedicated space, conveniently located just outside Hall 3.

Armstrong has hosted sessions at locations and industry events around the world, including the ISA Sign Expo in the US, and will be bringing her expert advice and guidance to the inaugural edition of The Sign Show.

Make it Happen Workshops

The series begins on September 22^nd – the final day of build-up for The Sign Show – with a full-day Signage Bootcamp, covering a range of flat cut, fabricated, and illuminated signage. Specialist half-day workshops will then run each day of The Sign Show, allowing visitors to attend the session while still having time to enjoy the exhibition.

A half day Illuminated Bootcamp will run on September 23^rd, focusing on illuminated signs.

On September 24^th,a half day Frontline Bootcamp will take place focusing on selling, for those in the sign and print industries that are client-facing or communicating.

The sessions will be rounded off on September 25^th with a half day First Drill Bootcamp. This session is specifically designed for new starters, helping them to hit the ground running in the signage industry.

Benefits for Visitors

Speaking of the growth of Make It Happen Bootcamps, Armstrong says: “The Make it Happen Bootcamps have been a huge success, running as regular monthly workshops in the UK for the past eight years.

“In 2022, we expanded Make it Happen to the US and as part of the launch, we attended the ISA Expo in Vegas, running our Bootcamps as part of the wider educational program at the Expo. The take up was better than we could have ever imagined, with all workshops sold out and phenomenal feedback from the delegates.”

Discussing the Bootcamps taking place at The Sign Show, Armstrong concludes: “We see the new Sign Show as a fantastic opportunity to include education as a draw and benefits for attendees.”

Sharing Ideas and Gaining Experience

Armstrong has been a supporter of The Sign Show since the event was announced last year, acting as one of the exhibition’s ‘Fantastic Four’ alongside BSGA chairman Craig Brown, FESPA UK managing director Suzi Ward, and Eye on Display editor Jack Gocher.

“The Sign Show will offer an opportunity for people in the industry to get together to share ideas and concepts to encourage continued development and growth,” Armstrong says.

“When we share ideas and interact with fellow peers, we elevate our knowledge and gain experience that only applies in this kind of open forum. The addition of education as part of the program adds to the benefits available to attendees and provides another reason to attend the event!”

Chris Davies, event director of The Sign Show, adds: “This is a huge coup for The Sign Show. Sam and the Make it Happen Signage Consultancy are well known for their workshops not only here in the UK but also around the world.

“We’re delighted to welcome them to The Sign Show for our debut event and truly believe this will be the perfect accompaniment for anyone visiting the event to pick up new ideas on how they can grow their business.”