Cover Story | SDUK Preview
TWO FOR ONE
REGISTER FOR SDUK 2024 AND YOU’LL GET INTO PRINTWEAR AND PROMOTION LIVE! TOO. SO, IF YOU’VE NOT ALREADY SIGNED-UP, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
This year marks a new era for Sign and Digital UK (SDUK), having been bought from Faversham House by Datateam Business Media last year. With a 35-year legacy in the UK sign and print calendar, 2024 sees it open on a Sunday for the first time, matching the opening days for the Datateam run Printwear and Promotion Live! event with which it will now be co-located - well, SDUK will be in Hall 2 and Printwear and Promotion Live! in Hall 1, but a walkway will join them and registration to one gets you entry to the other. It’s a move that event director Tony Gardner expects to have a big impact - on each of the shows, and on their respective visitors - thanks to a high level of cross-fertilisation. “2024 is going to bring vibrant and exciting events. Change is good, and with SDUK enjoying its Sunday debut and taking place alongside the Printwear and Promotion Live! event, we are hopeful of attracting a combined audience of around 9,000 across the three days,” enthuses Gardner, pointing out that the co-location of the two shows creates a unique opportunity for exhibitors to present their offerings in both halls, reflecting the increasing overlap between sign-making and the printwear and promotion industries. Of SDUK specifically, Gardner adds: “In the ever-
evolving world of visual communication, SDUK stands as a pillar, bringing together the brightest minds, cutting-edge technologies, and industry enthusiasts under one roof. It’s not just an exhibition, it’s a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in the dynamic world of signage, large-format print and digital screen technology. As SDUK 2024 unfolds, we invite visitors to immerse themselves in a world where ideas take shape, connections come to life, and the future of the industry is unveiled.” Among the returning exhibitors, Epson UK highlights the
10 | February/March 2024
importance of experiencing print results first hand. Phil McMullin, head of sales, commercial and industrial, Epson UK, says: “We are in a visual industry, so it’s vitally important that graphics professionals can see print results first hand. You really can’t get the same objective view online. You need to see it, touch it, smell it! Historically SDUK has always provided us with a great sales pipeline for the year, and we very much hope and expect a repeat from this event.” McMullin sees the merger of SDUK and Printwear and Promotion Live! as a big benefit for Epson, and notes: “Visitors can explore Epson’s sign and graphics solutions at SDUK and the latest textile printing innovations at Xpres in Printwear and Promotion Live! Detailed announcements about new products are under wraps, but rest assured there will be exciting print solutions at both shows, with a focus on stimulating ideas for incremental and profitable revenue streams. We encourage attendees to visit both halls for a comprehensive experience, promising plenty of new and innovative displays.” Hybrid Services, exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki Europe, echoes the sentiment of collaboration. Andrew Gregory, sales director, says: “It’s a chance for us to work with industry peers and deliver an event that our industry wants to visit. We go beyond by launching new Mimaki products and showcasing cutting-edge technology. SDUK offers a comprehensive view of the sign and display sector, providing an ideal forum to connect with new customers, support reseller partners, and spotlight innovation.”
This year Hybrid Services will be introducing three new
AT A GLANCE SDUK 2024 Where:
NEC, Birmingham When:
25 - 27 February, 2024 Times:
10am - 5pm Sunday/Monday, 10am - 4pm Tuesday
Cost:
Free. Pre-register online at: https://signdigital2024.
smartreg.co.uk/Visitors/ Visitors/register?
printers at the event. “We’re excited to be unveiling the Mimaki TxF300-75 direct-to-film printer at Sign and Digital UK 2024. This cutting-edge technology marks a significant leap in film printing capabilities,” says Gregory. “The recently announced UJV100-160Plus LED UV printer will make its first showing at an exhibition in the UK too - it offers a great opportunity for companies investigating the potential that UV printing can offer their business.” Hybrid will also host the first showing of the Mimaki UCJV330-160 LED UV integrated printer/cutters. “Building on the success of the solvent and dye-sublimation models in the 330 range, this 1.6m production machine will offer highly creative capabilities coupled with ultra-low running costs, thanks to a raft of features and technologies,” adds Gregory. For Roland DG, SDUK is not just about showcasing
innovations but establishing direct connections with customers. Rob Goleniowski, head of sales, UK/ Ireland, sees the event as a key way of gaining insights into customers’ perspectives and challenges. He says: “More than a date on the calendar, Sign and Digital is a comprehensive and invaluable experience, allowing us to appreciate the challenges our customers face, and to determine the most effective ways we can support them. We anticipate a surge of interest from customers keen on exploring new avenues for business growth, and we’re excited to be part of this journey into the year ahead.” Goleniowski continues: “We’re debuting the VersaObject EU-1000MF and the DGConnect software app, showcasing the latest in our innovative product offerings. Our Roland Care team will also be on hand to discuss our robust support and warranty packages.” Andrew Simmons, sales director of Soyang Europe, values SDUK as a proven platform to connect with
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