EVENTS - / NEWS Print Expo 2025. He says: “For me, it’s about helping educate people that don’t have the knowledge but want to learn, or those that feel they should know more but are not confident enough to ask for help. We want to spread the word on our industry to get younger people coming through.” As for architectural wrapping, highlights include an introduction to the sector and the many opportunities for growth, a look at the type of products used in these applications, and expert advice on what tools to use. Attendees can also learn about substrates and preparing surfaces for wrapping and view live demonstrations of specialist corner detailing finishing. Tiffany Parkin, architectural manager at SPACE Architectural Interiors, says: “This event is all about celebrating innovation, creativity, and the latest advancements in architectural signage and interior branding – something we’re truly passionate about. We’re excited to collaborate with industry professionals, exchange ideas, and contribute to an event that continues to drive the sector forward.” Suzi Ward, managing director of FESPA UK, and Jon Hutton, director at FESPA UK, add: “We are delighted to support The Sign Show and this exciting feature. As part of our ongoing Waste Accreditation initiative, we will work closely with the show to capture and responsibly dispose of material waste generated throughout the School of Wrap.” Bright Ideas Just down the aisle from the School of Wrap will be Neon Insights, which, as its name may suggest, will allow visitors to explore the world of neon signage. Hosted in partnership with Neon Creations, this section of the event will allow visitors to learn about the techniques used to create iconic pieces of neon. Throughout The Sign Show, specialist workers from Neon Creations will shine a light on what neon actually is, speaking with visitors about the core differences between true neon and modern interpretations of neon, and the value traditional neon offers in the modern market. Attendees will also be able to view live demonstrations of how Neon Creations brings neon to life, including the different types of glass bending and how expert staff are able to create intricate shapes and letters. There will also be the opportunity for visitors to try their hand at neon bending – under the supervision of Neon Creations staff – to gain further insight into the level of skill required to create this iconic signage. “Creating neon products isn’t just our job; it’s our hobby and we live, eat, and breathe neon, not literally, though,” says the Neon Creations team, adding: “Our passion for all things neon stems from our genuine love of creating unique and bespoke neon products, as we believe that our personalised and attentive approach enables us to deliver a truly spectacular service.” Traditional Thinking The final special area of the inaugural show will be the Traditional Sign-Making Masterclass, allowing visitors to gain insight into some of the timeless crafts and trades that have helped shape the sign industry. Leading this area will be David Mearns from SignMode, who is hugely passionate about sign-making and preserving traditional methods and regularly runs classes allowing people to get hands-on with traditional techniques such as signwriting. Visitors to the show will be treated to live demonstrations of crafts including signwriting, as well as screen printing on a flat table and on walls, and both water and transfer leaf gilding. Also within this area of the show, visitors will have the chance to see small wooden items and learn more about the techniques of how these pieces are created. In addition, attendees will be able to try their hand at signwriting on white emulsion boards, with Mearns on hand to offer hints and tips. There will be several other special features to keep an eye out for in Hall 3 this September. Craig Brown, chief executive officer of the British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA), will be running ‘The Sign Surgery throughout the show, allowing visitors to speak with some of the leading experts in the UK sign industry. Meanwhile, off the show floor, Sam Armstrong and the Make it Happen Signage Consultancy will be hosting specialist workshops pre-show and on each day of the event this year, as well as on the day before the show opens. The daily workshops, which take place in the organisers area, are each tailored to support signage companies with their growth and understanding of products and the industry. See page 25 for more details. While in its debut year, it is clear that The Sign Show means business in terms of delivering added value to those in attendance. If you plan on visiting, make time to check out some of these features and enjoy the many crafts that the industry has to offer. ▲Neon Insights will allow visitors to explore the world of neon signage ► Signwriting and screen printing will feature at the Traditional Sign-Making Masterclass 27 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 260 - August / September 2025
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