Speaking about the co-location of SDUK with Printwear & Promotion Live (see preview on p40), event director Tony Gardner said, ‘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 first-hand, with many of these advancements being showcased in the UK for the first time.’

The exhibition will be complemented by the International Sign Association (ISA-UK) Explains Lounge. Now in its third year, the Lounge will host a series of presentations and panel discussions 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.

Topics include managing your sign business, business advice sessions, daily panel and feature sessions. The Women in Sign and Graphics session focuses on their contributions to the industry, while The Printing Charity will share ways to support mental well-being within the sector.

On the show floor, Hybrid Services, the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki Europe, is introducing three new printers at the event. These are the Mimaki TxF300-75 direct-to-film printer launched in August 2023, the UJV100-160Plus LED UV printer announced in September 2023, which will have its first UK exhibition showing, plus the first showing of the Mimaki UCJV330-160 LED UV integrated printer/cutter. The latter is a 1.6m production machine that Hybrid says offers ‘highly creative capabilities coupled with ultra-low running costs’.

RGB and Oki Europe are teaming up to support motor vehicle number plate printing with a complete ‘business in a box’ solution. They will be featuring the A3+ Oki Pro9542 printer, which includes white toner, and the Oki C650, described as ‘the world’s smallest high performance colour printer’  but still suitable for commercial print.

UK Feather Flags will showcase various products, including a new line of Eco fabric exhibition display solutions that it says demonstrate its commitment to sustainable signage. The company aims to build brand awareness, forge new business relationships, and gain insights into emerging market trends.

Sign Trade Supplies plans to display its range of sustainable aluminium profiles, sign fixings, and components, emphasising value to customers. The stand will also feature an interactive element, adding a ‘fun and engaging dimension for attendees’.

Assured Signage aims to use the show to highlight the potential of digital signage as a new revenue stream for traditional sign-makers and printers. It will present its media player, Sureview Genesis, which is claimed to offer offering exceptional performance and a low cost of ownership. The stand will also feature displays from Papercast, showcasing e-ink displays ideal for outdoor applications.

Roland DG  is taking space at both SDUK and Printwear & Promotion. At the former, it will showcase its new VersaObject MO-240, which replaces the company’s popular LEF2 Series and is designed to enhance direct-to-object printing with new levels of productivity. For those interested in signage, interior design and vehicle wraps, the company will also be showcasing its TrueVIS AP-640 resin printer, plus the popular TrueVis LG-640 UV print and cut device, and the 2.4 x 1.2m VersaObject EU-1000MF flatbed that can handle objects up to 95mm thick. These will be backed by demonstrations of the DG Connect software app.

Brownings, in partnership with Magnwall, plans to showcase novel wireless electrification systems at SDUK 2024. This allows users to mount electrical accessories onto the face of tension fabric systems, eliminating the need for complex wiring. The stand will also feature Brownings’ range, including TexSign tension fabric systems, Flex face products and bespoke snap frames.

BestSub will showcase its latest engraving machine, craft heat presses, Otter DtF system, and a comprehensive selection of craft supplies, materials, and tools.

InkTec had been planning to show a brand new printer, the Jetrix LXa5 flatbed, but the conflict around the Suez Canal has delayed it, so the firm will focus on sustainability, showing how Jetrix printers can be upgraded to move with the times and continue to deliver on their initial investment. The Jetrix LXi8 UV flatbed will be present, sporting a new user interface that improves the nesting and mapping capabilities of the printer to minimise media wastage. There will also be the first showing of the Jetrix XGR320 3.2m UV LED roll printer. Both machines will be printing with GreenGuard Gold accredited inks.

QPS will feature four LED UV printers from ColorJet on its stand – the 49sqm/hr Verve 2513M flatbed, the Verve Mini 1050 x 1650mm compact flatbed, the 2m width Vulcan Hybrid X and the 3.2m Vulcan 3201M which offers at top speed of 76sqm/hr. Collectively these cover a full gamut of wide-format applications from small signage and promotional items to high volume roll substrates, plus rigid materials including ACP, foam, board, flute board, glass, ceramic tiles and wood. QPS will also feature the Nazdar range of inks.

Drytac won’t have a stand of its own, but its products will feature on Epson, Hybrid Services and Roland’s stands, as well as that of exclusive distribution partner Premier Paper Group. While Premier will display a selection of Drytac materials and can advise about the full range, Epson will feature SpotOn Floor 200 and ReTac Textures Sand wallcovering films, while Hybrid will be printing Polar Chrome reflective PET, Polar Choice White film and Visiprint films. Roland’s stand will show ReTac ChalkMate, which yields a blackboard-type finish.

Another first will be the debut of the SC-V1000 A4 flatbed printer from Epson. This is an entry-level flatbed printer aimed at small businesses in the promotional goods industry. Described as highly compact and affordable, V1000 can print directly on a wide range of substrates with a thickness of up to 70mm, including acrylics, polycarbonates, PVC, aluminium, metal, polyester, foamboard, styrene, wood and stone, making it suitable for creating promotional and personalised items.

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Since 2014 Standbuilder has grown from supplying on-site technicians to the exhibitions market to becoming entirely self-sufficient through strategic investments and working closely with CMYUK in recent years. The company is now entirely self-sufficient for large format graphic production and finishing. Its plant list also includes a Mimaki print/cutter, Kongsberg C60 digital cutting table, Trotec Speedy 400 cutter/engraver and an AE sewing machine; it is also a regular use of the UFabrik line of materials in its exhibition work.

The new EFI hybrid printer replaces a Vutek QS3 Pro 3.2m printer at Standbuilder and this move to EFI’s latest technology aims to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs. The printer supports continuous board printing, accommodating large boards or multiple smaller panels with simple changeover from rigid to flexible printing, complemented by dual roll capability for flexible media.

This has helped Standbuilder to bring printing and finishing automation in-house, leading to a significant transformation. The company recently completed one of its largest projects to date, building 150 exhibition stands in just two weeks, covering over 4000 sqm of print.

Director Bruno Roquette said, ‘The integration of world-class digital printing production equipment enables Standbuilder to deliver high-quality, large print volumes efficiently, meeting strict deadlines with industrial-level speed. This improved workflow has positioned the company to attract larger contracts, contributing to overall business growth as the company now expands into Europe with its newly opened Barcelona operation.’

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Recognising Excellence sees an expo and networking lunch take place at the Leonardo Hotel and Conference Centre, Hinckley Island, followed by a gala dinner and awards night that celebrates the innovation, achievements and hard work of industry members.

Chair of the IPIA’s events subcommittee, Matthew Ruff (sales and marketing director of mail specialist Reliance), explained the value of the event: ‘The wealth of information and education available to attendees during the Expo is very comprehensive, providing them with critical insights into how the latest print and media technology can support their growth or diversification ambitions. It is so important to take the time every so often to spend a day working on your business, and not just in it.

‘The networking lunch is then a platform for attendees to talk directly to prospective customers – no matter which part of the supply chain they come from – and potentially to generate new business and beneficial relationships.

‘For those who would like to stay on for the evening festivities, we then have a wonderful programme of amazing food, live entertainment, celebration and the chance to do further high-quality networking.’

The expo and business networking hub run from 11:00 to 15:00, with a pause for the networking lunch and the IPIA chairman’s address. The expo will feature more than 20 print technology and media exhibitors.

Tickets to the Recognising Excellence event start with a daytime pass and lunch at the Expo and Business Networking Hub, rising to a complete package including overnight accommodation and breakfast at the Leonardo Hotel.

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The Print Show sees the debut of Morgana’s new SC6500 high-speed cutting and creasing device, which offers a ‘no wires’ working environment, and the FB1180-T cutting table for larger format work.

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Fiery, separated from longtime parent EFI at the beginning of 2023, will demonstrate how its Fiery JobFlow solution streamlines and speeds up printing tasks through a single interface. Mark Boulter, sales development manager at Fiery, commented, ‘This is the perfect opportunity to learn how using Fiery JobFlow in conjunction with Konica Minolta’s print solutions can streamline print jobs with unified print room management.’

EPS will showcase its print and packaging software MIS/ERP solutions. John Morley, global channel partner sales sirector at EPS said, ‘Our team will be on hand to give visitors an insight into how our integrated, automated and purpose-built software technology solutions drive revenue and growth, reduce the cost of sales and manufacturing, and empower successful transformation of print and packaging companies through powerful business and production workflow automation.’

Solimar Systems will be present following the announcement earlier this year that the two companies have expanded their strategic partnership to include UK operations as well as those in the USA. Workflow-enhancing solutions from the Solimar Chemistry platform are now available to Konica Minolta’s UK customers, and support the migration of print to KM output devices in data-driven print environments.

Jamie Walsh, sales manager for EMEA and APAC, Solimar Systems, commented, ‘We are excited to be leveraging our new UK partnership with Konica Minolta and joining the stand, to discuss the opportunities for combining Solimar workflow solutions with existing and potential customers of the Accurio range of output devices.’

Konica Minolta itself will run demonstrations of the new flagship AccurioPress C14000e high-volume toner press, AccurioShine 3600 digital embellishment press with iFoilOne and TU-510 innovative four-edge trimmer and creaser, showing how it is now possible to complete entire jobs on a single production line.

Jon Hiscock, head of Production & Industrial Print at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) stated, ‘We are looking forward to The Print Show and working with our partners from Fiery, eProductivity Software, and Solimar Systems. This is a major event for anyone involved in the UK print industry and there is plenty to explore on our stand. With Konica Minolta celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, it is very fitting that we are being joined by these partners to show the very latest in print and our continuing commitment to igniting print possibilities.’

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Event director Tony Gardner explained, ‘The co-location will be a first for the UK’s sign, display and garment decoration markets. There is a real synergy between the two shows with around 1000 of the 5000 visitors to Printwear also attending Sign & Digital, and several exhibitors traditionally exhibiting at both shows. We are very excited about the opportunity that the co-location creates to enhance the two events. Visitors will have more compelling reasons to attend, with the added benefits that a two-show experience will bring, and exhibitors will benefit from an increased audience across the two shows.

‘Consequently, there will a slight alteration of dates for Sign & Digital, from the original 27 – 29 February. This will see Sign & Digital open on a Sunday for the first time, and opens up the opportunity for the many buyers who are unable to attend on a traditional working day. The Sunday at P&P Live is always the busiest day, with well over 2000 visiting regularly.’

Sign & Digital UK, the UK’s biggest and longest-running dedicated trade show for the wide-format visual communication’s sector, covering signage, print, display, décor and design will be celebrating its 35^th edition in 2024. Printwear & Promotion Live! 2023 attracted over 110 exhibitors and more than 5000 garment decorators, clothing retailers and print service providers, a 15% increase on the 2022 event.

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This takes working across and within supply chains to improve the sector’s environmental profile. But we still too often operate in silos, where the paper industry keeps its own council and printers are preoccupied with getting the next orders out the door. The space for information sharing and cooperation is dominated by industry associations and trade fairs who still do not talk to one another often enough.

The Sustainability Industry Forum recently established in the UK by the UK’s Independent Publishers Guild is an excellent example of how things might be different. The Sustainability Industry Forum is an idea that other countries might also want to consider. The objective is for leading trade associations to agree and coordinate plans for cutting environmental impacts.

An industry forum brings together different industry associations. Together they can work together on common projects, reduce duplication and share best practice, in a transparent and accountable way. In the UK there are six current Sustainability Industry Forum participants, including the leading book and publishing associations. The UK group has a central steering committee of twelve plus a chairman. Together they are responsible for agreeing the purpose of the group, its objectives and scope for actions. The group meets every quarter and is setting up various working groups to consider environmental impact improvements in supply chains including “transportation and the use of plastics”, end of life, paper and printing, and finishing and embellishments.

This is a laudable effort, but to really make a difference a Sustainability Industry Forum really does need to include representatives from the whole supply chain. Printing and finishing industry associations have much to contribute to the discussion as do paper and recycling folks. Let’s hope the core group of six adds members and that other countries take up the idea.

– Laurel Brunner

This article was produced by the Verdigris Project, an industry initiative intended to raise awareness of print’s positive environmental impact. This weekly commentary helps printing companies keep up to date with environmental standards, and how environmentally friendly business management can help improve their bottom lines. Verdigris is supported by the following companies: Agfa Graphics, EFI, Fespa, Fujifilm, HP, Kodak, Miraclon, Ricoh, Unity Publishing and Xeikon.

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The incoming chairman and current vice-chair, Charles Rogers of Portland Media, said he is looking forward to taking up his new role and continuing the good work achieved in developing the association.

Mr Rogers said, ‘The last seven years have seen huge changes with how the IPIA engages with members, sponsors, and our industry. We have worked hard to strengthen IPIA events, and I will endeavour to expand them, as well as encourage the council to create ways of reaching out to new members and sponsors.’

The new vice-chair, Alasdair Browne of Abbot Print, described the IPIA’s new system of subcommittees as providing a drive and focus to the benefit of members:

Mr Browne said, ‘One example I have been involved with is the research subcommittee, which looks to transfer to the print industry ‘intelligence gathering’ methods more usual in other fields – that we can use to educate print buying markets effectively about the power and effectiveness of print.’

Outgoing president Mike Roberts added, ‘On a personal level, it has been outstanding to see the IPIA flourish over my term as president for the benefit of the membership and our industry. There’s been some difficult times as we reinvented ourselves and pushed through periods like the pandemic, but the whole council – and particularly the IPIA Executive headed by general manager Brendan Perring – should be justifiably proud of the support, success and value the IPIA continues to deliver. For me, I’ll be on the back benches with my fellow council members, supporting accordingly.’

The IPIA is returning to the Crowne Plaza, Stratford-Upon-Avon on the same day to host the Recognising Excellence Expo and Awards.

The soon-to-be IPIA president and current chair, Graeme Smith said of the event, ‘It’s where like-minded print professionals regroup at the close of the year and explore future collaborations and discuss best practice and issues. Print is a dynamic industry that changes rapidly, and we all need to be agile, maximise our relevance and capture every opportunity in this increasingly digital world. Print needs to carve through the noise, and all the elements of Recognising Excellence shows print shouting through, loud and proud.’

Lucy Swanston, chair of the IPIA event subcommittee and managing director of Nutshell Creative said, ‘This is where the print industry supply chain comes together to celebrate the best of the best making a difference. I can’t underestimate the value of this face-to-face networking. There’s a real sense of community among members, large and small, all keen to support each other.’

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The final day of build-up will run as planned, with the hall open for exhibitors to prepare for doors to open to the public on 20 September. The funeral will be shown live on a large screen inside Hall 17 for those who wish to watch, while dedicated prayer rooms will be open in the NEC. Any nationwide moments of silence will also be respected.

Rob Fletcher, commenting for the show’s organisers, said, ‘While this is understandably a difficult period for the UK, The Print Show team remains committed to delivering an event that so many have looked forward to for such a long time. The hard work of our organising team and our many fantastic exhibitors deserves a quality and memorable end product, and we intend to deliver this next week.

‘As Her Majesty so perfectly once put it: ‘When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.’ ‘

Meanwhile, Vpress has confirmed that it will be working with a wide roster of partners at the show to show live demonstrations of products that can be ordered from a mobile device and routed via one of four workflow options. These will include printed items such as labels, packaging and ‘a little something special’ that will be revealed at the show.

Digital Printer‘s preview of The Print Show is in the July/August 2022 issues, available to view online here

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EPS’s omni-channel marketing software MarketDirect Cross Media, featured by UK distributor Transeo Media, will allow artwork to be personalised for printing by ASL Group on its stand via a Ricoh cut-sheet toner press, with files supplied and managed by an EFI Fiery Controller. Paper and board stocks supplied by Antalis will be used, with cutting and creasing carried out on Morgana equipment.Pre-registrations will be available from 1 September and the complete workflow will be showcased at The Print Show.

John Morley, global channel director, EPS, stated, ‘Partnerships are key to success and working closely with these fantastic industry brands has been pivotal to the success this project. Although similar has been done in the past, nothing like this has been attempted live at a show. From a full pre-event personalised targeted marketing campaign, web-2-pack order acquisition, personalised print then finished into a beautiful gift for lucky Print Show visitors. We are excited to show what our technology can do, especially when integrated into an industry ecosystem and collaboration with excellent industry partners.’

Digital Printer’s preview of the The Print Show is available online here.

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