On the 23rd September at 10:00, HP will be holding a webinar 'Signage Trends in the New Normal’. Featuring leading experts at HP, as well as partner companies and customers, it will offer advice and guidance on how to boost your business in the post-pandemic world.
Industry experts will offer fresh insights on the latest signage trends; explore thermoforming applications and production processes; and highlight print technologies which unlock new growth avenues . The event will also feature an interactive Q&A session. As commercial spaces gradually reopen with new safety norms, the upcoming HP webinar will invite print service providers to explore untapped opportunities in the world of signage.
Background
Over the pandemic, print service providers and sign-makers rose to the global challenge of supporting efforts from medical staff, frontline personnel and those delivering essential public services. Signage requirements for health and safety were in high-demand, with important public messages appearing everywhere. Including the social distancing circles and one-way systems in public spaces such as shops and high-streets.
Since then, the requirements for signage and graphics have evolved and brand owners have put their own spin on the graphics. Graphics are a key part of any business, especially within the retail and hospitality sector as they welcome back customers and staff alike. All print companies working in this area have a new-found creativity, using any surface – including walls, windows and floors – to support key health messages alongside clever branding.
Graphics are also becoming increasingly functional as well as being marketing tools. With clever integration of QR codes and social media tagging locations, brand owners can use all of the space around them to leverage sales activities that can be truly measured.
The development of materials and systems that can be easily installed and removed with little or no professional experience has meant that location owners can replace graphics and messaging quickly. Given the uncertainty of the last 18 months, this has been key for businesses and ensures they can display the most up-to-date messaging.
The focus has returned to looking at the products used to print with and – in particular – where businesses can become more sustainable. Traditionally, the signage and graphics industry has been very wasteful, with many companies using products that last for a long time, such as PVC, and remain in the environment for hundreds of years. In some cases, these products can be used for just days or even hours before being thrown away.
With the boom in the development of printers capable of printing onto more diverse materials with greener inks, we have finally been given the opportunity to really look at the life cycle of our graphics and how we can reduce the waste. The rise of more eco-conscious print is a key trend for the future and one which print service providers would be wise not to ignore.
