Designed to focus exclusively on the sign-making market, the event will retain this approach as it moves forward into its second year, adopting the new The Sign Show name in order to reflect this commitment. The Sign Show brand will also bring the show more in line with sister event The Print Show and enable attendees to distinguish between the two shows.
Chris Davies, event director for both The Sign Show and The Print Show, said: “The Print Show has proved such a success, we have opted to realign SignLink Live to bring it more in line with the event, and our new 'The Sign Show' brand reflects this approach.
The Print Show has proved such a success, we have opted to realign SignLink Live to bring it more in line with the event, and our new 'The Sign Show' brand reflects this approach”
“To quote a famous advert, The Print Show does exactly what it says on the tin; it’s a show all about print. The Sign Show is exactly the same; it's an independent show all about sign-making, dedicated to one of the most creative industries in the UK.
“Having considered all feedback from out inaugural event this year, we are now working to ensure The Sign Show proves to be just as successful, retaining a key focus on helping UK sign-makers identify the tools that can help their businesses expand and grow.”
Graphtec praises quality of attendees
Meanwhile, Phil Kneale, director of Graphtec GB, has praised organisers of this year’s event for the quality of attendees at the show, adding that the firm was able to generate a high level of interest in its cutting machines.
Graphtec GB was showing a number of technologies at the event in October, including the recently renamed and relaunched Graphtec F-Mark combined automatic sheet-feeding and die-cutting system. Such was the level of interest in the F-Mark that Graphtec GB dealer Ashgrove Trading was able to take a number of orders for the machine at the event.
We were impressed with the quality of the visitors to SignLink Live, many of whom had clearly attended with the intention of purchasing new equipment”
Kneale comments: “We were impressed with the quality of the visitors to SignLink Live, many of whom had clearly attended with the intention of purchasing new equipment.
“As the UK distributor of products manufactured by Graphtec Corporation in Japan, we do not sell direct to the public but through authorised dealers and resellers, a number of which either secured firm orders or positive enquiries with a view to purchase.”
Smith Sign & Display keen to return
Elsewhere, the Smith Sign & Display arm of William Smith Group 1982 has also praised its attendance at the event this year, saying it gained more out of the show than expected.
Kyle Giles, marketing executive at William Smith Group 1982, comments: “The overall feeling from the event was one of positivity. There was a lot of excitement and curiosity surrounding the event because it was the inaugural edition.
“Quite often you can refer to previous events and use them as a benchmark for success, but that was not possible this time around. In addition to this, the event was all about the fabrication side of sign making, something that is unique in comparison to other events.
“SignLink Live was also the first time we had exhibited as Smith, so it presented us with the perfect platform to showcase the brand to the masses. And, it would be fair to say it was received very well.
“Having industry experts visit the stand and take note of all the bespoke signage was extremely pleasing. Our display wall was designed to captivate the imagination and showcase the endless possibilities with regards to manufactured signage, and I think it did just that.”
Giles also suggested that the company could return to the rebranded event next year as it seeks to spread the word about the Smith Sign & Display division. He says: “We’ve had a very positive experience from exhibiting at the event and I believe it will only strengthen further as the organisers gain experience. Plus, you can’t put a value on flag waving and having a presence.”