With its first Sunday session and co-locating with Printwear & Promotion LIVE!, there will be plenty to see and do at Sign & Digital UK 2024. With more than 180 exhibitors across the 2 events, a number of educational features, as well as demonstration areas, and the opportunity to network with fellow sign-makers, SDUK 2024 is the event you can’t afford to miss!
Tony Gardner, Event Director for SDUK, says, “Sign & Digital UK 2024 is the first SDUK under our ownership, and we are really looking forward to seeing how the co-located event works. All shows must continue to develop their offering and we believe a co-located event is key to help grow the show, and to attract a new audience into the world of sign-making and large-format digital printing. Visitors will have the chance to explore the latest technology and innovations firsthand, with many of these advancements being showcased in the UK for the first time.”
Hybrid Services, the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki Europe, is introducing three new printers at the event. Andrew Gregory, Sales Director for Hybrid Services, says: “We’re excited to unveil the Mimaki TxF300-75 direct-to-film printer at Sign & Digital UK 2024. This cutting-edge technology marks a significant leap in film printing capabilities. The recently announced UJV100-160Plus LED UV printer will make its first showing at an exhibition in the UK and offers a great opportunity for companies investigating the potential that UV printing can offer their business.”
Hybrid will also host the first showing of the Mimaki UCJV330-160 LED UV integrated printer/cutter. “Building on the success of the solvent and dye sublimation models in the 330 range, this 1.6m production machine will offer highly creative capabilities coupled with ultra-low running costs, thanks to a raft of features and technologies,” adds Andrew.
Roland DG EMEA promises an exciting lineup, including the debut of the VersaOBJECT EU-1000MF and the DGConnect software app. Rob Goleniowski, Head of Sales UK & Ireland at Roland DG EMEA, comments: “We’re debuting the VersaOBJECT EU-1000MF and the DGConnect software app, showcasing the latest in our innovative product offerings. Our Roland Care team will be on hand to discuss our robust support and warranty packages. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!”
While detailed announcements of what visitors can expect to see from Epson will be announced nearer to the show, Phil McMullin, Head of Sales, Commercial & Industrial, at Epson UK, says. “Our new product launches for the show are still under NDA, but rest assured, there will be new and exciting print solutions at SDUK! Our focus for both will be on stimulating ideas around incremental and profitable revenue streams. There will be plenty new to see.”
A showcase of innovation
As the industry converges at SDUK, attendees can expect a showcase of innovation, creativity, and sustainability that will shape the future of printing and signage.
Sign Trade Supplies is set to introduce a new range of sign products. Garrick Dartnell, Head of Marketing, says: “At Sign & Digital UK, we will introduce new aluminium finishing options with special effect coatings, highlighting our commitment to innovation. Sustainability in aluminum will be our key focus, aligning with our dedication to environmentally conscious practices.”
The upcoming show will serve as the platform for the UK launch of Assured Digital Signage’s new media player and one of their latest generation of e-ink displays. Chris Rushton, Managing Director, says: “At Sign & Digital UK, we’re excited to launch our revolutionary media player, codenamed ‘Sureview Genesis,’ delivering exceptional performance with 4K at 60 fps and boasting a low cost of ownership. Additionally, we’ll showcase the latest generation of e-ink displays from Papercast, known for their clarity in direct sunlight, low power consumption, and remarkable durability.”
UK Feather Flags will introduce a range of innovative signage and digital printing products, including an eco-friendly fabric exhibition display line. At the same time, Techsil will reveal a new range of UV-curing products and an expanded product portfolio through partnerships within the Techsil Family.
Brad Robinson, Sales Marketing Manager at Brownings Ltd, highlights their recent partnership with MAGNWALL, a German start-up revolutionising display technology. Brownings aims to showcase MAGNWALL’s transformative technology alongside its diverse display products. He says: “We’re entering an exciting phase at Brownings with our recent partnership with MAGNWALL. At Sign & Digital UK, we’ll showcase the groundbreaking wireless electrification system, allowing easy mounting of electrical accessories onto tension fabric systems. Prepare to experience the future of customisable displays!”
Increase your knowledge at the Explains Lounge
Now in its third year, the ISA UK Explains Lounge will host a series of presentations and panel discussions at SDUK, designed to inform and educate visitors to the show on the latest developments, trends and innovations and how they will impact the large format printing, sign-making and visual communications industry over the coming year.
Sessions are all free, and booking is not required. Come and join us for the sessions and visit the area any time to talk to representatives from the ISA UK about any sign-related issues.
There is a fantastic programme of business and technical advice sessions designed to help SDUK visitors keep up with the changing market, gain insight to strengthen and grow their businesses and identify new revenue opportunities.
The programme has been developed to include real-world case studies, panel discussions and interactive presentations in an informal space where advice and information can be exchanged.
According to Craig Brown, CEO of ISA-UK, “We are excited to bring back the Sign & Digital UK Explains Lounge, offering an enriched program that reflects our commitment to advancing the signage industry. With insightful presentations, expert-led discussions, and valuable networking opportunities, we aim to create a dynamic and educational experience for all participants.”
Managing Your Sign Business: Join us daily as experienced experts share insights on making your sign business more successful. Explore topics like expanding into garment, textile, and personalised product printing, along with considerations for diversifying into flatbed printing.
Business Advice Sessions: Discover what it takes to make your sign business the best it can be. Learn to view yourself as a signage consultant, identify incremental revenue opportunities, and implement strategies for growth. Topics include selecting the right vinyl, leveraging social media, and a case study on seizing business opportunities.
Daily Panel Sessions: Industry experts convene daily to discuss key issues affecting the signage industry. Leaders share insights on identifying growth opportunities, building sustainable business models, and choosing the right technology. Explore panels on recycling, large format printing trends, and recruitment strategies for safe and sustainable hiring. Highlighting the increasing presence of women in senior roles, the Women in Sign and Graphics session focuses on their contributions to the industry. Additionally, The Printing Charity will share ways to support mental well-being within our sector.
Feature Session and More: Each day, a special guest leads the Feature Session on market-wide issues. Explore operational and technical talks and get a sneak peek at exhibitors’ offerings.
“The Explains Lounge has established itself as a key element of the show. This year, we have an even more diverse programme of sessions designed to captivate, educate and inspire visitors. We believe these sessions are a vital part of the overall Sign & Digital UK experience, and we are delighted to have put together such a diverse and experienced range of speakers and panellists.”
SDUK Explains Lounge Timetable
Sunday
11am - Andy Rogers, Marketing Director, Stahls UK
How To Supply Branded Clothing to Your Customers
How many of your customers are wearing branded clothing? How often do you supply them with it? The most efficient way to increase revenue is to get more value from your existing customers.
12.00pm - Colin McDermott, The Online Print Coach
Printerview with Craig Brown, CEO ISA UK
1 pm – Julian Mennell, National Hardware Sales Manager, Inktec Europe
What to consider when looking into diversifying into flatbed printing.
2.00pm - Alex Liggett, Founder, The Vinyl Guys
How to increase business and profit by selecting the right vinyl for the right project
Monday
11am - Women in Signs and Graphics
Female leaders in the industry
- Izabella Ivanovici, Managing Director, INV Recruitment Ltd confirmed
- Sarah Fenna – Sales Director, Soyang Europe confirmed
11.45am IPIA – Hosted by Brendan Perring, General Manager, IPIA
Flights of opportunity
Synopsis: Our panel of leading industry lights will discuss how to identify and seize new opportunities in growth markets, how to grow a sustainable business model and the importance of choosing the right technology to support you.
- Rob Goleniowski, Head of Sales, Roland DG UK
- Phil McMullin, Head of Sales, Epson UK
- Lewis Evans, Sales and Product Manager, Vivid Technologies
- Premier Paper
12.30pm – Marianne Steel, The Printing Charity
Ways to support mental wellbeing in our industry
- Sarah Fenna – Sales Director, Soyang Europe
- Craig Brown – CEO ISA-UK
1.00pm – The Printer Panel
Latest trends and developments in large format printing
- Rob Goleniowski, Head of Sales, Roland DG UK
- Phil McMullin, Head of Sales, Epson UK
- Brett Newman, Managing Director, Hybrid Services (Mimaki)
1.45pm - Sam Armstrong, Managing Director
Make it Happen Consultancy
Sign-makers – Arm: Prepare: Diversify: and EXCEL
2.15pm - How To Profit with Branded Clothing
Expert Panel
Are you looking to add extra revenue streams to your business? Or grow your existing branded clothing business? Then join our panel of experts as they discuss the path to success for any business.
- Andy Rogers – Marketing Director – Stahls’ UK. The UK’s leading garment decorating educators.
- Simon Warren – Commercial Manager – Ralawise. Europe’s leading blank garment wholesaler.
- Ellen Wain – Business Development – Graphtec. Home of the leading vinyl cutting solutions.
- James Homan – Head of Business Development and Marketing – AWDis. Leading manufacturer of brandable blank garments.
3.15pm - Alan Foster. Founder, Print Social
Making social media work to grow your business.
3.30pm Colin McDermott, The Online Print Coach
Printerview with Andy Hancock, Director, Mexar Ink
Tuesday
10.30am - Anthony Rowell, Sales & Customer Success Director Sustainability Lead, Tradeprint's Strategic Expansion
A Case Study on Seizing Opportunities.
11am - The recruitment panel
How to fill the key roles and keep the people you love and ensure safe and sustainable recruitment
- Matt Hanley – Managing Director, M-TWO: Matching Talent With Opportunity
- Antony Rowell – Sales & Customer Success Director Sustainability Lead, Tradeprint
- Craig Brown, CEO, ISA UK
- Jeff Bufton – Head of Operations, Signs Express
12.00 – 12.30pm – Talking Digital Signage
Jack Gocher of Eye on Display interviews Chris Rushton, Managing Director of Assured Digital Signage
12.30 – 1.30pm – The recycling panel
We bring together vendors and end users from all areas of the sign industry to cover the important issue of recycling. Whether its media and film, ink or aluminium products, recycling is a key consideration for environmentally conscious sign-makers.
- Jeff Bufton, Head of Operations, Signs Express
- Jon Hutton, Director, Reconomy Group
- Mark Godden, Metastream Specialist, Metamark
- Andrew Gregory, Sales Director, Hybrid Services
- Matthew Anderson, Managing Director, Sign Trade Supplies
2.00pm – Steve Lister, Sustainability Consultant to Global Brands & Retailers
RETHINK Retail
Top Retail Influencer 2023 – Retail Expert – RTIH Top 100 Retail Technology Influencer 2023
2.30pm – Sustainability panel
How retailers can increase productivity and profitability through more sustainable practices
- Host – Steve Lister, Sustainability Consultant
- Anthony Rowell – Sales & Customer Success Director Sustainability Lead, Tradeprint
- Nick Widdowson – Director of Marketing Development, POPAI Retail
- Nathan Swinson-Bullough – Managing Director, Imageco Ltd
3.15pm The BPIF panel
Practical help for Sign-Makers at the Sign Studio
The Sign Studio has been one of SDUK’s most popular features for several years. It doesn’t matter if you are a vinyl veteran or just taking your first tentative steps vinyl application, the Sign Studio is a special feature that you won’t want to miss.
Running all day, every day, with live demonstrations and practical workshops, the Sign Studio is hosted by experienced sign-maker Paul Hughes. At these sessions, you will have the chance to learn more about the basics of vinyl application, vehicle livery, wall coverings and more. “I will be giving practical, hands-on demonstrations designed to inform people looking to take their first steps in vinyl application and those wanting to add to and develop their skills. There will even be something for more seasoned pros on the hunt for the latest tips and tricks,” says Paul.
As well as having more than 20 years of experience, Paul and his wife, Julia, have run Sign Making Tools for over 10 years. Way back in 2007, Paul published Price It!, a guide to pricing work for sign-makers, which he continues to update. After a chance conversation with a fellow sign-maker about the guide moving on to cover tools and equipment, Paul and Julia decided to investigate the supply of the key kit that sign-makers use every day.
They used their extensive knowledge of the day-to-day demands and requirements of sign-makers to launch Sign Making Tools, a company that is focused on providing the tools that sign-makers really want to use. Paul will be demonstrating some of these products at the Sign Studio and is always happy to discuss additional requirements and individual needs.
Vinyl views
Cutting and applying vinyl is a core skill for many sign-makers today. Paul’s presentations and workshops in the Sign Studio are designed to meet the needs of newcomers and seasoned professionals alike. “In this trade, you can never really stop learning,” says Paul. “While a lot of what I demonstrate at SDUK is designed for people who want to improve their skills, I am always happy to talk in more detail about any aspect of vinyl application with people. One of the big advantages of doing this at SDUK is that there are also lots of suppliers close by who can provide the market-leading vinyl, cutting and printing equipment that is essential for the modern sign-maker. And of course, we can help you with the tools you will need to do the job as well!”
The schedule, which will be repeated each day, is as follows:
- 10.30 – 11.00 Basic Application of Vinyls
- 11.15 – 11.45 Applying Large areas of vinyl
- 12.00 – 12.30 Application Challenge
- 13.15 – 13.45 Basics of Vehicle Livery
- 14.00 – 14.30 Applying Large areas of vinyl
- 14.45 – 15.15 Application Challenge
- 15.30 – 16.00 Basics of Vehicle Livery
- 16.15 – 16.30 Basic Application of Vinyls
Basic Application of Vinyls
This session is for anyone looking to take their first steps in vinyl application. Paul will show you the basics of applying vinyl graphics and offer hints and tips for which products and techniques you should use and when.
He will give clear and practical demonstrations on:
- Weeding & Applying application tapes
- Preparing surfaces for the application of vinyl
- Use of water/application fluids
- Applying Basic text
- Moving on from the Basics
- Applying multi-layers of vinyl
- Flood Coating of the substrate with vinyl
- Applying large panels of vinyl.
Applying Large areas of vinyl
Once you have mastered the basics, it’s time to look at the skill of applying a large area of vinyl to a variety of surfaces. This could be digitally printed or plain coloured vinyl film, applied directly to boards, glass or other substrates.
In straightforward steps, Paul will show you:
- Basic technique
- Use of water/application fluids
- Squeegee choice and technique
- Demonstrate applying large panels of vinyl to boards/facias/glass
- Working on Glass – etched films
- Applying large-cut vinyl graphics
Application Challenge
In this hands-on session, Paul will be challenging visitors to have a go at applying some vinyl themselves. He will be on hand to offer advice and guidance to make sure visitors gain vital experience in vinyl application.
There will be a gift for everyone who enters. There will also be prizes for the best job each day as well as an overall winner.
Basics of Vehicle Livery
For most sign companies, vehicle graphics means applying vinyl lettering and logos to the side of a van. Paul will show visitors the basics of applying simple cut-vinyl lettering and even give them a chance to try it for themselves. The demonstration will include:
- General advice on layout – easy and hard areas to fit graphics to.
- Cleaning and preparation of the vehicle
- Basic application of vinyl to the vehicle
- Applying graphics to the front of vehicle – making it look straight is harder than you think!
- Flood coating recessed panels
- Handling large panels of vinyl and their application.
- Applying vinyl over recesses and basic curves.
Sign & Digital UK remains an unrivalled meeting place for the signage, display, and print industry to keep up to date with what’s new, to see demos, and to do business, and 2024 is already shaping up to be a record-breaking show.
Registration for either show allows visitors entry into both events.
For current show information and to pre- register for free entry, visit www.signuk.com
For regular updates, follow the show us on our social media channels:
SDUK Social Media
- Twitter: @Signanddigital
- Facebook: Sign & Digital UK
- Instagram: @signanddigitaluk
- LinkedIn: Sign & Digital UK
P&P Social Media
- Twitter: @PandPLive
- Facebook: PrintwearandPromotionLive
- Instagram: @printwearandpromotion
- LinkedIn: Printwear & Promotion LIVE!
