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With excitement continuing to build ahead of this year’s debut edition of The Sign Show, we take a closer look at what the UK industry can expect from the dedicated sign and display event
While of course the internet provides companies with access to plenty of information about products for all areas of the sign market, this is not the same as being able to view these solutions up close. Being able to experience products and see how they perform in-person is much more valuable, especially in an industry that is as visual as the sign and display sector.
Taking place for the first time this autumn, The Sign Show is billing itself as the dedicated sign expo for the UK market. Running from September 23rd to 25th in Hall 3 of the NEC in Birmingham, The Sign Show is seeking to fill a gap in the market for an event that is entirely focused on sign-making.
“What this means is that we want to address the many areas of signage that currently do not have a major platform on which to showcase their solutions to the wider industry,” explains event director Chris Davies, who adds: “From signwriting, engraving, and vinyl wrapping to sign fabrication and traditional neon, the event will deliver something for everyone, no matter which area of the sign and display industry you work in.
“The Sign Show aims to create a place for visitors to learn and expand ideas as well as to showcase what brands and marketing professionals can access to make their clients stand out in the modern world.”
While news of the new event is still fresh in the minds of industry members, organisers have wasted little time in gathering support for The Sign Show. During last year’s announcement launch at sister event, The Print Show, it was revealed that several leading industry voices are backing the show.
Dubbed ‘The Fantastic Four’, Craig Brown, chairman of the British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA); Suzi Ward, managing director of FESPA UK; Sam Armstrong, founder and chief executive officer of Make it Happen Signage Consultancy; and Jack Gocher, editor of industry publication, Eye on Display, have all spoken publicly in support of the event.
On top of this, recent weeks have seen the first additions to the floorplan for the much-anticipated inaugural show. These include Visive Group, a designer and manufacturer of LED contour linear solutions and smart technology, and Pacfort Group, a company that specialises in manufacturing engineered paper products.
Meanwhile, Graphtec GB, the UK’s official Graphtec, Mutoh, and WidInnovations importer and distributor, was the first large-scale business to confirm it will exhibit at The Sign Show 2025.
Operating off one of the larger stands at the show, Graphtec GB will be displaying a range of solutions, including specialist equipment machines and WID lasers, as well as printing technology from Mutoh, with Graphtec GB having recently become a distributor for the manufacturer.
As to why it has decided to support a year-one show, Tom Kneale, director at Graphtec GB, says The Sign Show’s positioning alongside The Print Show is a “perfect match” for the company, presenting it with the opportunity to connect with customers across both the print and signage markets.
The Sign Show 2025 will run alongside and in the same hall as The Print Show. The Print Show is now established as the UK’s leading large-scale print event, drawing thousands of visitors every year. While The Sign Show will remain fiercely dedicated to sign-making crafts, attendees with interests in the signage and print markets will be able to pass freely between both events to explore the latest solutions across these vibrant sectors.
Kneale speaks openly about the core benefits of this approach: “The Sign Show is uniquely placed. Sitting alongside The Print Show, it allows us to not only present our latest Graphtec cutters, but also WID lasers, and the latest printers from Mutoh.
“As a new distributor for Mutoh products, we really need a shop window to showcase the brand. Having The Sign Show in September removes the event from the usual cluster of trade shows traditionally happening in the spring.
“The sign industry and printing industries are rapidly coming together. For a company like Graphtec GB, our product range spans both print and sign, so it is a perfect match for us to demonstrate to a mixed audience what we are really all about.”
While the exhibitors and their many innovative solutions will be the main reason for people to attend The Sign Show later this year, there will be so much more for them to explore in Hall 3 of the NEC.
“We are all about creating an event that will allow visitors to take away with them valuable knowledge to ensure their business continues to succeed,” event director Davies explains, continuing: “On top of this, we want The Sign Show to be a memorable experience for all those who attend, celebrating the art of the many types of sign-making that make up this creative industry.”
On this point, The Sign Show will be running a series of special areas throughout its debut event. While the full details of these will be revealed a little closer to the show later this year, Davies offers an insight into what visitors can expect to see inside the hall.
The Sign Show aims to create a place for visitors to learn and expand ideas
“We are going to be running a series of live demonstrations and workshops to offer even more value to visitors,” Davies reveals, continuing: “All attendees will have free access to several in-show areas, each designed to deliver valuable insight into core market sectors and important talking points.
“Live demos of sign-making techniques such as vehicle wrapping and architectural wrapping will allow visitors to view experts in action and pick up hints about the best techniques for this type of work.
Meanwhile, we will also be paying tribute to the foundations of signage, with dedicated areas for live demos of classic neon and traditional sign-making, celebrating the continuation of these crafts.
“In addition to this, we will have expert-led sessions on business advice and diversification, as well as dedicated workshops for certain areas of sign-making, offering visitors the chance to gain valuable knowledge from some of the leading minds in the industry.”
To put it simply, there is plenty to get excited about for The Sign Show this year. While it is a first-year event, there is certainly demand for an exhibition that not only allows visitors to learn about the latest solutions in sign-making, but to also experience certain crafts up close and connect with peers from all areas of the sign and display sectors.
Roll on September!
