Last year’s event was postponed due to the pandemic, with the reorganised show now set to run from September 28th to 30th in Hall 7 of the NEC in Birmingham – the event’s home for all but one of its previous editions.

With a number of names already on the floorplan, after companies that signed up to exhibit last year agreeing to switch their appearances to 2021, The Print Show again looks set to appeal to audiences from across the print, wide-format print and related industries.

“We’re really excited to be back planning for 2021 and cannot wait to welcome visitors from all across the UK to the NEC this September,” event director Chris Davies says.

“It’s been a really tough 12 months for the industry, but we firmly believe that The Print Show will be a catalyst in the market’s recovery, allowing people to reconnect and offer a major platform for exhibitors to showcase their latest developments.”


Safe environment

One of the main concerns for visitors will understandably be the ongoing Covid-19 situation and what will be done to ensure the health and safety of those in the hall. Davies says The Print Show 2021 will run in line with strict government guidance, with detailed plans as to how the show will operate to be announced closer to the event.

“We have been keeping up with all of the latest government announcements in terms of how and when exhibitions will be able to run, and we are fully confident in our ability to host an informative and exciting event in September,” Davies adds.

“While we understand that some people may be a little hesitant about visiting a large event after all that has gone on, I want to make it clear that we are fiercely dedicated to the safety to all of those in attendance and we will ensure that all of the relevant Covid-19 protocols are in place.

“We will be working with the NEC and the local health authorities right up to and during the event to make sure our visitors and exhibitors can attend the show without any concerns.”


Print without barriers

This year, The Print Show will operate under the banner ‘Print Without Barriers’, with organisers aiming to encourage visitors to look outside of their traditional markets and consider moving into other areas to diversify their services.

Davies says given what has happened over the past 12 months, this is now more important than ever, with many print companies having seen demand for certain types of work decline.

“Since we launched in 2015, we’ve been promoting the benefits of diversifying into new markets, and this year will be no different,” Davies says, adding: “As we have seen in the past year, there will always be a demand for print, but it’s about knowing where this demand is and making sure you get a piece of the action.”

This continuing focus will see the return of certain show features, including the Business Seminar Theatre, playing host to a series of specialist speakers, and the Diversification Zone, allowing visitors to gain an insight into potential expansion markets.

In addition, the popular celebrity speaker feature that debuted at The Print Show 2019 will be returning. This year, former Apprentice and Countdown star Nick Hewer and boxing legend Frank Bruno will both appear at The Print Show, while a third star guest will be unveiled closer to the event.

“There is so much to look forward to at The Print Show 2021 and I am looking forward to catching up with everyone at the NEC,” Davies concludes.

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