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This year saw the launch of The Sign Show, which took place alongside the established Print Show at the NEC in Birmingham. As a first-year event, it naturally drew a lot of curiosity, and walking through the doors on opening day, there was a clear buzz in the hall. It’s always encouraging to see the industry showing up in good numbers, and the atmosphere felt energetic and positive.
Strong Footfall and a Positive Start
With exhibitions being closely watched in recent years, it was refreshing to see a healthy level of engagement on the stands and in the aisles. Visitors had a wide mix of companies and demonstrations to explore, with the new show providing another opportunity for suppliers, signmakers, and creatives to connect. Pairing The Sign Show with The Print Show gave the signage sector space to stand on its own while still benefiting from the crossover of visitors and ideas.
Demonstrations That Brought the Industry to Life
One of the highlights of the event was the commitment to live, hands-on demonstrations.
Neon Creations Ltd stopped visitors in their tracks with the spectacle of neon signmaking, bending glass over flames with great skill and precision.
David Mearns of Signmode gave a glimpse into the heritage of signmaking with live hand-painted lettering using his collection of traditional tools.
APS (All Print Supplies) delivered dynamic vehicle wrapping demonstrations, showcasing the technical skill and modern materials that are pushing the trade forward.
On the FESPA UK stand, interactive demonstrations encouraged visitors to get hands-on, reflecting the collaborative and practical spirit of the industry.
These displays not only entertained but also highlighted the blend of heritage and innovation that defines signage today.
Knowledge and Community
The speaker sessions were another standout, drawing strong attendance and offering insight on industry trends and practical skills. Meanwhile, exhibitor stands had a steady flow of visitors, with people keen to see new products and exchange ideas. What stood out most was the sense of openness, suppliers and craftspeople alike sharing knowledge and experience to help strengthen the wider trade.
A Welcome Addition to the Calendar
The launch of The Sign Show provides another platform for the industry to gather. It’s not about replacing what already exists, but about creating additional opportunities to bring people together, share skills, and build stronger connections. Having more than one exhibition option gives businesses flexibility and variety, and that can only be healthy for the trade.
Congratulations to the Organisers
A big congratulations to the SignLink team for pulling off a successful first edition. Launching a new exhibition is no small task, but this debut was well-received and full of promise. By pairing signage with print, they’ve created an event that adds real value to the industry calendar.
Final Thoughts
The first Sign Show was a positive and encouraging start. It offered a mix of live craft, innovation, and knowledge sharing that reminded everyone of the depth and diversity of the signage industry. As it develops alongside other established events, it looks set to play a role in keeping the industry connected and moving forward
