UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

SDUK 2023 IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, SO WILL YOU BE MAKING YOUR WAY TO BIRMINGHAM’S NEC FOR A FIRST-HAND TECHNICAL AND MARKET UPDATE?

from FuturePrint, talking about sustainability and the drive to use recycled PVC in signage; Marcus Timson, also from FuturePrint, on the importance of adaptability for signmakers and print providers; and Alex Liggett from The Vinyl Guys, who will be looking at the huge diversity in wide-format printing media and advising business owners on taking advantage of this versatility while keeping focused on their core applications. The full schedule will be posted on the show website closer to its opening.

Sign Surgery

The Sign Surgery - which will take place alongside the Explains Lounge - will be an informal environment where visitors can put questions to ISA-UK directors.

Craig Brown, CEO of the ISA UK, says: “The Sign Surgery will be a vibrant and welcoming place where sign-makers, graphics designers and digital print providers can come to discuss the issues and challenges most important to them. ISA directors with decades of experience in all areas of sign-making will be available throughout the show to answer questions and discuss real business issues. We have seen and lived it all in signage as a group, and this is a rare opportunity to share this knowledge with fellow sign-makers and print service providers.”

The Sign Studio

Almost 4,000 attended SDUK’s return to the trade exhibitions stage last year, somewhat underwhelming but a number that the show’s organisers are confident of overtaking with the 2023 event.

“Last year, it felt so great to be back after a three-year break. However, the country was still very much in the grip of the pandemic and the show week saw the highest numbers on record testing positive. We expect to return to pre-pandemic numbers and exceed 5,000 this year,” says event director Jenny Matthew, pointing out that more than 70 companies have confirmed stands. These include Epson UK, Roland DG, swissQprint, Premier, Hexis UK and Vivid Laminating Technologies, but not (at the time of going to press) other notables for large-format focussed visitors, such as Agfa, Canon, Fujifilm, HP and InkTec, though many will have a presence on other exhibitor’s stands.

As you’ve come to know over the course of this long-running show, exhibitor stands are only part of its attraction anyway, and other show features this year include the Explains Lounge, Sign Surgery and Studio, Hexis UK Wrap Battle and Sustainability Trail.

Explains Lounge

The International Sign Association UK (ISA-UK) is back to host the SDUK Explains Lounge and a brand-new feature, the Sign Surgery.

The Explains Lounge will host presentations designed to engage, inform and inspire. All of the sessions are free to attend and there’s no need to book. At the time of going to press confirmed speakers included: Frazer Chesterman

At A Glance Sduk 2023

Where:

Hall 2, NEC, Birmingham

When: 21 - 23 March, 2023

Times: 10am - 5pm, Tuesday - Wednesday, 10am - 4.30pm, Thursday

Cost:

Free. Pre-register online at: www.signuk.com/visit

The Sign Studio will run daily, with live demonstrations and practical workshops hosted by sign-maker Paul Hughes. These sessions will allow visitors to learn more about the basics of vinyl application, vehicle livery, wall coverings and more. “I will give 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 Hughes.

Hexis Uk Wrap Battle

As well as a broad and diverse range of exhibitors, SDUK is running a series of features designed to educate and inform sign-makers of all shapes, sizes and experience levels. The UK Wrap Battle 2023, hosted by Hexis, will run throughout the show, giving visitors a chance to see the very best vehicle wrappers demonstrate their skills in a battle of speed and accuracy in a bid to claim the title of ‘Best UK Installer 2023’.

The Sustainability Trail

This has become a popular feature of the show according to the organiser, who says it will include even more exhibitors this year, though specific products and services are yet to be announced - but, it will include signposting to the Explains Lounge and Sign Surgery where there will be regular features on sustainability.

Matthew, concludes: “We are so excited about the show this year. We want everyone who joins us to get real value from their time, so we are doing our best to ensure there is something for everyone, from industry newcomers to seasoned veterans. The schedule will be jam-packed with fantastic exhibitors, exciting features and thousands of networking opportunities to ensure that visitors will be informed and inspired by everything they find at SDUK 2023.”

The first print industry focussed EcoPrint summit will take place in Geneva on 6-7 June this year and right now this sector’s input and collaboration is being sought to help ensure it hits the mark. I talked with Frazer Chesterman from organiser FM Future on the subject.