Demonstrating that print is so much more than simply putting ink on paper while committing to helping visitors discover new opportunities for their businesses through access to exhibitors from all corners of the industry, all free of charge, The Print Show UK (colocated for the first time with The Sign Show) is now established as the most important and best-attended industry event in the UK. Little wonder the show welcomed over 5,300 attendees in Hall 3 of the NEC Birmingham from 23rd September to 25th September. In this SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLE, adapted from the organiser’s (Link Exhibitions (UK) LTD) POST-SHOW STATEMENT, check out why The Print Show is the primary meeting point for the market.
In total, 5,379 visits were reported during the three-day events, which both ran from 23 to 25 September. The Print Show returned for its ninth edition this year, while The Sign Show was making its debut, co-located with its sister event in Hall 3 of the NEC in Birmingham.
Both shows were hailed as a tremendous success, with exhibitors across the hall reporting high levels of footfall, leads, and in some cases, on-stand sales. Epson, Agfa, Fujifilm, swissQprint, InkTec Europe, Vivid Laminating Technologies, Antalis, and Plockmatic Group were among the stand-out names in The Print Show section of the hall, while HP, Hybrid Services (Mimaki), Graphtec GB (Mutoh), Roland DG, and EFKA Frame Solutions were all in attendance for year one of The Sign Show.
Crucially, such was the success of The Sign Show that organisers have confirmed it will return in 2026 from 29th September to 1st October again co-located with The Print Show, which will celebrate its 10th edition in 2026. The two shows will again take place at the NEC, switching to a larger Hall 1 to accommodate an expected increase in stand demand.
“For me, this was the best event we have ever put on,” said Chris Davies, Event & Sales Director for both The Print Show and The Sign Show. “As an organiser, we wanted to step it up a notch this year, including an improved entrance area and an enhanced Knowledge Zone speaker area, and both visitors and exhibitors really responded to it. The Print Show continues to go from strength to strength. We’ve had excellent feedback from exhibitors, many of whom have indicated that they will return for our 10th anniversary edition next year. As for The Sign Show, this was clearly well received by the wider industry, with exhibitors and visitors praising its focus on signage and how it has filled a gap in the market for an event that showcases UK sign-making. We’re delighted to be bringing it back for its second outing in 2026.”
The Print Show Remains A Selling Show
While many visited the shows to see technology for the first time or learn more about new solutions, some took it a step further and elected to invest in kits while at the event. Vivid Laminating Technologies set a new record by selling five Velodblade Nexus devices on its stand. It also hosted the global launch of its new Razar, a new machine that can spot UV up to B2, cut and crease in one pass. Ballyprint.com of Northern Ireland became the first company in the world to purchase a machine, agreeing a deal during the show. “What we like about The Print Show is that the organisers work tirelessly to make it work for you,” Vivid said in a post-show social media message. “They leave you to get on with selling and dealing with customers and genuinely want everyone to do well. A big thanks to Chris and the team for putting on a great event; we know how much hard work goes into these shows.”
Konica Minolta also reported several sales on its stand at The Print Show. Design, print, sign, and exhibition services specialist Graphix purchased a new AccurioPress C7090 ENHANCED digital production press. Meanwhile, commercial print specialist GD Print opted for a new AccurioPress C14010s and AccurioPress C7090 ENHANCED.
Elsewhere, POSITIVE+ invested in a new Impala 5 from swissQprint, while Plockmatic Group, which counts Morgana, Intec, and Renz among its brands, reported high levels of sales at the show.
As for the new kit that was on display, highlights included Hybrid Services, the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, which hosted the global launch of the new Mimaki TS200-1600 dye sublimation printer. In addition, Fujifilm showed the new 5UPER COLOUR print models, which include the Revoria Press EC2100S and SC285S, while China Print Supplies displayed its new Hapond 3-in-1 Double-Sided Printer, a 3.2m machine that prints perfectly registered graphics on both sides of a roll simultaneously.
Building Knowledge and Getting Interactive
Key to the shows were several special features that appeared across the hall. Within The Print Show, the Knowledge Zone was as popular as ever, with sessions drawing plenty of crowds.
Highlights included Jeremy Page and George Kowalowski of BrandNation, who kicked off the programme with an insightful session on the future of AI in print. Tom Willday, founder of Willsow, shared his experience of appearing on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den, while the FESPA UK Next Generation Committee spoke about the importance of drawing young people to print.
Other sessions saw Solopress CEO Simon Cooper look at the environmental impact of AI, while the effervescent Deborah Corn spoke about selling the security of print, before joining a panel discussion on the opportunities for women in print. She also launched PrintFM at the show, interviewing and engainig industry personalities on a wide array of industry subjects to improve exhibition experience.
In The Sign Show, visitors were invited to get hands-on across several interactive areas. The School of Wrap allowed attendees to try out vehicle and architectural wrapping under the expert guidance of CVi Group, SPACE Architectural Interiors, All Print Supplies, Fedrigoni, and FESPA UK.
Across the aisle, the supremely talented David Mearns from Signmode showcased his talents on the Traditional Sign-Making Masterclass, inviting visitors to try their hand at sign writing and learn more about this incredible art.
Finally, Neon Creations welcomed visitors to the Neon Insights area to educate them about neon signs, displaying some of their incredible signs and encouraging those in attendance to try out neon glass bending. “Having The Sign Show alongside The Print Show this year has been a real pleasure,” Chris says. “It adds a whole new angle to what was already a diverse event, and I look forward to chatting with the team about how we can evolve both shows for next year and beyond.”
- WHERE To Print magazine Publisher, Joju ADEKANBI, reporting LIVE at the shows.
© www.theprintshow.co.uk
…with Konica Minolta Commercial Print Account Manager – Steve Maslen, who took me through the all-new AccurioPress C14010S, designed to take print operations to the next level.
…with Konica Minolta partner – Aurora Managed Services, Head of Production, Pete Bently Whittaker, and Assistant – Bee Bassey.
…caught up with Randomsoft LTD UK Director – Olakunle Ogunjobi
Randomsoft LTD UK Director – Olakunle Ogunjobi, with Morgana (a Plockmatic Group brand) Area Sales Manager – Mark Spicer, who took me through their press lineup, including the newly launched Morgana systems, like Morgana BM4035a – the booklet maker (in which a brand-new unit is already sold in Nigeria by Randomsoft LTD UK), DigiFold Ultra creasing/folding machine with full-bleed trim capabilities, etc.
…with Graphtec Director (Mutoh Representative), Sir. Phil Kneale, who took me through the new Mutoh XpertJet 1462UF – a 6 colour (C, M, Y, K, Wh, Va) UV LED flatbed direct-to-object printer.
…with the founder of Willsow, Tom Willday, the first-ever plantable children’s books printer/ publisher. Coming from a 4th-generation family of printers, Tom’s innovation addresses sustainability in print at its core – to help save trees and reduce waste sent to landfills. And from the first-ever plantable children’s books, to plantable desk calendars, Christmas crackers (designed in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society – RHS), greeting cards, etc., Tom’s innovations are inspiring millions to do more for our environment, which is another power of print. It was nice meeting him to discuss how we could work together.
…with Print Monthly/ SignLink Editor, David Osgar, on content collaboration.
…with The British Sign & Graphics Association duo of MD and Manager, Linda Edwards and Sue Hewick respectively, on FLOURISH COLOUR VENTURES (www.flourishcolour.com) and British Sign & Graphics Association (www.uksigns.org) Print Exchange Programme (PEP) collaboration.
…with my friend and colleague, Wayne Beckett of Printing Connect Online UK.
Homey meeting with my Nigerian counterparts – Spec Digital Print LTD MD, Mr. Adebiyi Bamgbose, along with his GM, Mr. James Kehinde, Exnon Integrated Concept MD, Engr. Mohammed Fasasi, and Tripple Tee International Project LTD MD, Mr. Samuel Ogunbanjo.
…fruitful meetings were held with the FESPA UK Team, made up of MD – Mrs. Suzi Ward, Content Creator – Ms. Molly Jackson, Operations Coordinator – Ms. Brooke Stancill, and ally, FESPA UK Next Generation Committee Member – Imageco, Artworker – Ms. Isabel Shanahan.
