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Printwear & Promotion LIVE!

The upcoming Printwear & Promotion LIVE! exhibition presents sign-makers the perfect opportunity to gain some inspiration. Genevieve Lewis previews the event

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Printwear & Promotion LIVE! will take place Sunday, January 19th through to Tuesday January 21st

New ideas

Textile printing, garments and personalisation has been on everyone’s lips in 2019. But in 2020, Printwear & Promotion LIVE! is taking it to a whole new level.

Taking place Sunday, January 19th through to Tuesday 21st, Printwear & Promotion will be in Halls 17 and 18 at the NEC in Birmingham.

The exhibition will be held in Halls 17 and 18 at the NEC in Birmingham


With all areas concerning garments, promotional products and textiles, visitors will be able to see what’s on offer from the industry; screen-printing, embroidery equipment, transfer printing, digital printing and engraving will all be on show.

Starting with screen-printing, there will be a number of exhibitors, one of which is Adelco. The company will be showcasing its Cyclone range of automatic printing presses. Screen Print World offers the M&R Genesis and will also be highlighting its own newly released drying cabinets. The event will also cater for those looking to digitise part of the screen-printing process, with EXILE Technologies launching the new SPYDER III computer-to-screen system to the UK market. Another UK debut falls to Lotus Holland’s Evo compact reclaiming system.

Moving on to embroidery equipment, and AJS Embroidery Services, which is the longest running embroidery machine distributor in the UK, will be returning to Printwer & Promotion LIVE! in 2020. Elsewhere and YES will host the exhibition debut of the new Single series from SWF – which features two new models, normal and compact, both with larger screens for easy user interface.

The world’s first 20-needle single and multi-head embroidery machine will also be on display at the exhibition. The all new MT series from Ricoma is set to cause a storm, being a good fit for both start-up and established embroidery businesses.

Moving around the show floor, and there will also be a concentration on other areas such as transfers, film and vinyl. But for those looking for the machine power, there are also numerous manufacturers and representatives present at the exhibition. In particular, garment printing, sublimation and even wide-format printing will have a presence. Global Print Solutions is showcasing the recently released OKI Pro9541WT five-colour digital toner transfer media printer, while Roland DG will be highlighting the TrueVIS SG2-300.

Daily fashion shows will be taking place in the halls


In the wide-format arena, Sabur Digital and RA Smart will be exhibiting the latest print models, including the HP Stitch S300 dye-sublimation printer, which is a UK first.

Why attend?

Tony Gardner, event director for Printwear & Promotion explains that there will be much to expect from the event this year. He says: “For printers and sign-makers that are attending the show, there’ll be plenty of key destinations. Those looking to branch out into the garment decoration and personalisation market will quickly find that transfer printing is a great place to being. It’s an easy and an inexpensive add on, and there will be plenty of exhibitors offering an array of transfers, films, vinyls, print and cut equipment and heat presses that they’ll need to get started.”

Gardner lists a number of exhibitors that can help in this area, including: TheMagicTouch, Target Transfers, Grafityp, Dae Ha UK, Xpres, and Doro Tape.

He continues: “Visitors that are looking for something a little different might be interested in an engraving machine, in which case the Gravograph and Roland DG stands will be a must-see, with the latter making its introductory foray into laser engraving with the LV laser engraver – available in two sizes to fit any office or workshop.”

Printers and sign-makers alike can find out about the diversification opportunities that textile and promotional printing offers


Something that has been regularly discussed across the industry is the boom in garment printing and adding this service to a portfolio as another revenue stream can be beneficial to a sign-maker. “One key trend – and something that should certainly be considered by those looking to get into garment decoration – is eco, organic and recycled clothing,” says Gardner, adding: “It’s already a big focus and is sure to be even bigger in 2020, so it’s worth checking out brands including Honestly Made by Regatta, Stedman – available from Absolute Apparel – Mantis World, Neutral and Ecologie by AWDis.”

One key trend – and something that should certainly be considered by those looking to get into garment decoration – is eco, organic and recycled clothing


With the exhibition starting on a Sunday, many sign-makers will be able to take time out of their busy schedules without missing a workday. However, why should a sign-maker make the journey during their days of rest? “Printwear & Promotion LIVE! is recognised as the annual meeting place for the garment decoration industry, so if a company is interested in boosting their business with a cost effective additional revenue stream then the show is a great place to start,” comments Gardner.

He adds: “For printers and sign-makers, clients are already coming to them for their signage and vehicle wrapping needs so it makes perfect sense to provide them with everything they need from one print-service-provider – so the addition of personalised uniforms and branded items such as mugs or pens could prove hugely beneficial.

“At the show, visitors can pick up all of the tools and knowledge they need to get started with this venture – from learning more about the industry itself, getting tips and advice from experts and sourcing the perfect equipment and supplies. There will also be a number of UK and European exclusive product launches, which are well worth visiting the show to see.”

Make your move

Gardner continues to highlight why sign-makers should come to the show even if they are not yet in textiles or the promotion market. He says that the demand for promotional items is on the rise, and for those sign-makers and printers that already have the knowledge of print, it could be an easy step in to garment decoration and personalisation. “As we head into a new decade, now is the perfect time for businesses to expand their offerings and provide their clients with a full promotional package – as well as attracting new custom with their add-on,” says Gardner, adding: “Many sign-makers and printers have already diversified their businesses with a garment decoration add-on and heave reaped the rewards that come along with this. It’s incredibly profitable and requires minimal investment.”

There will be a number of informative features areas at Printwear & Promotion LIVE! this year, including two seminar suites which are called ‘The Decoration Advice Suite’ and ‘The Knowledge Centre’. Gardner explains: “’The Decoration Advice Suite will host professionals providing tips and advice on every type of decoration technique. Sessions will be hosted by representatives from companies including Kornit Digital, PenCarrie and Dye-Sublimation Supplies, whose session in particular is suited for beginners and those looking to expand their business alike through dye-sublimation.

There are a number of seminars taking place, discussing everything from running a small business to decoration techniques and advice


“Meanwhile, ‘The Knowledge Centre’ will welcome speakers who will share their knowledge with advice specific to the printwear sector. Gillian Suggett, managing director at St Mawgan Embroidery Co, will share her business development experience and talk through the highs and lows of running her own small business, and DecoNetwork’s UK and Europe sales manager Michal Gembrowicz will show visitors how they can grow their own businesses by offering personalisation while using state-of-the-art online design software, among others.”

There will also be the Screen Print Workshop and daily fashion shows for printers and sign-makers who are interested.

Gardner concludes: “As the annual meeting place for professionals in the garment decoration sector, Printwear & Promotion LIVE! is well worth a visit for those already in or looking to take their first steps into the market.

O Factoid: Printwear & Promotion LIVE! takes place Sunday January 19th through to Tuesday January 21st 2020 in Hall 17 and 18 at the NEC O


“Visitors can source all of the equipment and supplies that they will need to get started and pick up uniquely tailored advice from representatives on each stand. What’s more, with plenty of show deals and competitions available, coming along to the show may save visitors hundreds of pounds when purchasing new equipment.”


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