69 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 362 - September | October 2026 THE PRINT SHOW 2026 PREVIEW | ROB FLETCHER “The aim is not just to show machines, but to show how those machines fit into modern print and sign businesses,” Easton says, continuing: “Last year’s show delivered strong conversations with printers who are actively investing, diversifying, and modernising their businesses – that made it a clear priority to come back. Exhibiting again allows HP to build on established relationships, continue meaningful discussions started last year, and demonstrate long-term commitment to the UK print community.” Exploring Opportunities Joining HP as one of many returning exhibitors this year is swissQprint, which has taken a large stand within The Print Show. Erskine Stewart, managing director of swissQprint UK, says for the manufacturer, this year’s show offers the “perfect” opportunity to demonstrate how large-format printing can become a powerful driver of growth and profitability. “Whether businesses are looking to improve efficiency, expand into new markets, or increase profitability, the event offers practical ideas and real-world inspiration,” Stewart says. On the swissQprint stand, Stewart says visitors can experience the Generation 5 platform and see how a single flatbed printer can support a diverse range of applications. The entire exhibition stand will be produced on one swissQprint system, which Stewart says will show how one investment can unlock opportunities in retail graphics, interior décor, exhibition and event graphics, point-of-sale (POS) applications, and premium display work. Alongside creative applications, swissQprint will also demonstrate the productivity needed for high-volume 8 x 4 sheet production, highlighting efficient workflows that help businesses maximise output while maintaining consistently high print quality. Adding to the wide-format line-up at the show is Hybrid Services, the exclusive distributor of Mimaki in the UK and Ireland. The company will take its largest-ever stand at the event, with sales director Andy Gregory saying this will give visitors a clear view of the size of Mimaki’s current line-up. “The stand will include a strong mix of technologies for sign, graphics, and production print businesses, with Mimaki’s latest UV, solvent, and DTF wide-format systems all represented,” he says, adding: “Mimaki continues to put a great deal of emphasis on practical innovation, so the focus for us is not only on the new hardware, but on showing how these solutions can help increase flexibility, improve productivity, and open up new revenue opportunities. Small-Format Focus Of course, the show will also have a solid small-format focus, helped by returning exhibitor Konica Minolta Business Solutions UK. Key highlights on the Konica Minolta stand will include the AccurioPress C5080 Series, the manufacturer’s next-generation production platform. Visitors can gain insight into how the system’s automation, media flexibility, and colour consistency supports higher-margin work to increase profitability. The AccurioPress C5080 Series forms part of Konica Minolta’s wider ‘Feel the Potential’ showcase, where visitors can explore automation, workflow optimisation, labels, white toner applications, and new opportunities for commercial print businesses. “Today’s production print environments face rising costs, tighter deadlines, and increasing pressure on operator skills,” says Malcolm Smith, category manager of professional print at Konica Minolta Business Solutions UK, who adds: “The AccurioPress C5080 Series has been developed to help customers meet those challenges head on. “With advanced automation, exceptional media flexibility, and intelligent quality management, it reduces operator workload, cuts waste, and helps businesses produce more with less effort. The result is a highly productive and reliable platform that enables customers to take on new applications, improve turnaround times, and grow with confidence.” Alongside printing solutions will be leading finishing solutions, including a large showcase from Vivid Laminating Technologies. Director Lewis Evans confirms the With more leading exhibitors, more content, and more opportunities to learn and network than ever before, The Print Show remains the place where the UK print industry comes together More than 40,000 people have attended The Print Show since the event made its debut at the NEC in the autumn of 2015 40,000 ▲ Hybrid Services has taken its largest-ever stand at The Print Show this year
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