Business News
Industry heavyweights hail The Print Show 2016 with visitor numbers significantly up on last year
Monday 24. October 2016 - Major brands confirm sales, leads and interest at successful show
A host of major brands that were in attendance at The Print Show this year have paid tribute to the impact of the show, explaining that the event helped to generate major sales, while organisers have confirmed that attendance figures were 5,916with the biggest increase being seen on the middle day of the event.
The Print Show 2016 ran from October 11th to 13th at the NEC in Birmingham and featured more than 140 exhibitors from across the industry, covering all areas of the production process. From key manufacturer brands such as Konica Minolta, Presstek, RMGT, OKI, RISO, Morgana, and Duplo, through to key suppliers such as IFS, Apex Digital Graphics, Signmaster Systems and Spandex, the event has been hailed as a success by exhibitors and visitors alike.
Chris Davies, event director, said: “After the success of our inaugural event last year, we were extremely confident heading into this years show, and Im really pleased with how it went. Not only were we able to bring in a number of new exhibitors, but also record a significant increase in the number of visitors that attended the show.
“The feedback weve had from exhibitors has been really good and Im pleased to hear that so much business was done at the show, not only by those visiting, but also between exhibitors.
“Id like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that came to the showboth visitors and exhibitorsand I look forward to seeing you at the International Centre for our 2017 show from October 11th to 13th.”
One exhibitor quick to pay tribute to The Print Show this year is Duplo, which announced just a matter of hours after doors closed at the NEC that it had signed deals topping £400,000 at the event.
Bristol-based Latcham Direct invested in an iSaddle PRO Digital System, print healthcare specialists Jones and Brooks opted for a Duplo DC-646i system, while Quadgraphics, which also went home with a new Epson printer in the shows grand prize draw, purchased a Duplo 600i Booklet System. In addition, Duplos PFi DI-CUT 300 die cutter, which was given its UK launch at the show, proved a hit with visitors, with the model featured on the stand sold off at the event.
Sarah Crumpler, Duplo UK marketing manager, said: “The show has certainly lived up to expectations. Were delighted at not only the quality of leads, but the real interest in our market-leading systems that have provided the perfect opportunity for UK printers to come and get their hands-on with live application printing. All our systems are designed to enable customers to work smarter, faster and more efficiently.”
Another company that has confirmed a number of sales at The Print Show 2016 is Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS), which was operating on one of the largest stands at the event. The company signed deals for three Foliant laminators, while reporting plenty of interest in the Horizon SmartSlitter, which was also handed its UK launch at the show.
Bryan Godwyn, managing director of IFS, said: “We had a great show. We signed a number of deals for our Foliant laminators and there was a lot of interest in all of our solutions including the foiling attachment for the laminators. The Horizon SmartSlitter also drew a lot of attention.
“We had a good number of visitors and it was a great opportunity to meet so many existing customers. We were also able to start some very good new conversations and relationships.
“We have secured some business and have set up a number of meetings with operations keen to enhance their bindery capabilities. There was some great positivity at the show and we hope this continues to grow throughout the industry.”
While the doors may have only just closed on another successful edition of The Print Show, there is plenty of interest in next years show, as well as new event SignLink Live that will run alongside The Print Show 2017. Both events will take place at the International Centre in Telford from October 11th to 13th.
The key focus of SignLink Live will see it place host to sign-making industry suppliers and manufacturers, the product and services of which span everything from built-up LED illuminated letters, through digital signage, to materials for wrapping buildings in graphics.
Davies, who will serve as event director of both shows, said the two shows will take the entire venue in Telford, which spans some 10,500sq m (113,021sq ft), boasts ultra-modern facilities, and is located just five minutes away from a large, modern hospitality, entertainment, hotel, and shopping complex that features an IMAX cinema, bowling, ice rink and a number of major restaurants such as Pizza Express, Bella Italia, Nandos and Prezzo.
“Weve already spoken with a lot of new and potential exhibitors about both The Print show 2017 and the debut SignLink Live, and the feedback we are getting is really positive,” Davies said, adding: “There is a clear demand for a show like SignLink Live, and with an established brand like The Print Show to support it, we are very optimistic about where we can go with this new event.”