63 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 266 - August | September 2026 installation as another aspect that can be overlooked. She advises that questions should be considered such as: “Is there a specific item within the exhibition materials that needs to be installed first?” Nixon also highlights that large backdrops and powered elements should normally take priority to allow for adequate space and to establish power socket access. “Experienced crews can address these factors onsite with very little additional input, allowing for a smooth installation why early planning is essential for topquality results. Many businesses now also provide AI-generated concept artwork and plans, which have not necessarily been checked by an experienced event organiser, production team, or installation manager. This can cause huge issues with client expectations and is another reason why choosing an experienced and honest supplier is of paramount importance.” A Range of Experience Another trade-only print company with a lot of experience in signage, exhibitions, events, and design is RMC Digital Print, a wide-format printer based in Hull which sees itself as a “secret partner” in providing print and signage solutions. Speaking about its customers, Nicole Spencer, managing director at RMC, says: “We print the work that goes out carrying their name – so it’s not really our work, it’s theirs. Exhibition is one of our core divisions alongside signage, wayfinding, truck sides, and general wide-format, and it tends to be the one where the pressure and the creativity peak at the same time. We produce roll-fed and panels into the exhibition market. Then our clients will do the stand build using our products.” Like other contributors, Spencer also emphasises the importance of getting ahead of projects and communicating with partners as early as possible. “Talk to us early and talk to us honestly,” says Spencer, who adds: “The best exhibition jobs happen when a sign company treats their trade supplier as a partner, giving us information about deadlines, budgets, and the artwork situation. When the deadline can’t move, we have to work backwards from that to schedule jobs in. Artwork is often an issue with exhibition work as the end client keeps tweaking it. Sometimes we need to be firm with them as time starts to run out.” When it comes to timelines, Spencer suggests that businesses need to ensure they see the deadline as immoveable, as an exhibition will open on a set day and time whether a stand is ready or not. Similar to other companies, RMC has seen an increase in the number of companies enquiring about the transportability of graphics, and whether they can be reused or not. “We’ve recently introduced dye-sublimation into our print portfolio as many exhibition clients were asking for graphics that could be folded and reused. UV textiles need to be stored on a core so aren’t as easy to transport. Therefore, the solution was to buy a new printer to best serve the exhibition market.” When it comes to the biggest changes Spencer has seen in the exhibition space in recent years, the move towards fabric and dye-sub over rigid and vinyl-heavy builds are the standouts. “More clients are asking what happens to the graphics at end of life and whether there’s a recyclable or lower-impact option. The recent FESPA exhibition in Barcelona was done to ISO 20121 certification for Sustainable Event Management and I can imagine more events will end up working in a similar way so sustainable products will become key. Digital signage is also becoming more popular in stand design, which is worth keeping an eye on.” Spencer’s last bit of advice is to nurture the relationship with your trade supplier, especially because of the tight deadlines of exhibition work which leave no room for errors. Spencer concludes: “Plan early, communicate often, and treat your supplier as part of the team.” According to the 37th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer, 54% of the UK exhibition industry anticipates an increase of total revenue for exhibitions by the end of 2026 54% that hits its deadline.” When it comes to changes seen in the industry, Nixon points to the shortening of expected lead times from exhibiting businesses, which has a knock-on effect on the additional administrative and planning steps that are needed for a safe and successful installation. “More complicated stands and setups are also becoming more common, with businesses looking to diversify their event offerings and marketing materials to stand out in fast-paced industries,” adds Nixon. “This increasing complexity is also a contributing factor to shrinking client timeframes and is the perfect example of ◄Antalis exhibited at The Print Show 2025 with a giant robot made from Antalis materials ▲Textile and pop-up solutions continue to be a popular option for exhibitions stands and events in 2026 EXHIBITION STANDS | DAVID OSGAR
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