Organiser Profile

Today’s sign industry is a vibrant market that encompasses a range of skills from traditional techniques to emerging technologies. The Sign Show 2008 has been created by Link Exhibitions and Ed Torniainen to bring together all aspects of our industry and satisfy visitors and exhibitors alike.


Ed Torniainen, Event Director

Background

Ed Tornianen will be bringing to The Sign Show a wealth of experience stemming from a working life spent predominantly in the exhibition and publishing industries. Having enjoyed early success with the Thompson Organisation introducing Yellow Page telephone directories into the UK business market, Ed went on to occupy a senior position at major corporation, UBM. It was here that he became involved with the exhibition industry and subsequently created his own events company. He has since constructed a variety of both trade and consumer events including a number of B2B exhibitions in the business and computer markets as well as regional editions of the Ideal Home exhibition and special ‘one-off’ events such as the ‘Tall Ships’ exhibition when the world fleet visited Southampton, and continues to be a motivated and driven organiser of high quality events.

 

The Sign Show 2008

“When MD of Link Exhibitions, Page Tuck approached me with the idea of a brand new event dedicated to showcasing today’s sign industry, I recognised its potential immediately. As the publisher of highly respected, market-leading magazine, Sign-Link, I knew that Link and I could combine our skills to create a diverse and professional event. Although there are a number of different exhibitions associated with  various elements of the sign industry both in the UK and overseas, many of them are either quite specialised in favour of one specific aspect of the industry or are dedicated mainly to the digital developments that are taking place at such a bewildering pace. Link Exhibitions is seeking to present a complete cross section of the sign industry, producing an event that appeals to anyone involved at any level with the sign market.”

Unique

“Our aim is to offer attendees a centrally located venue, saving them both time and travel costs and ensuring we don’t alienate the industry we are so dedicated to. Our market research showed that the Ricoh Arena was accessible to the vast majority of UK sign makers, making it an ideal choice for ensuring we remain dedicated to the industry itself. One of our aims is to welcome people in from the periphery, bringing together those who may not even be aware that they have a place within this varied industry! In addition, the cutting edge design of this state of the art facility acts as an ideal backdrop for such a creative industry, providing a design-led environment in which sign makers can thrive.”

See for yourself…

“If you are involved in any way in the UK sign industry in 2008 you should visit this event, which we anticipate will become the must-attend event in the annual exhibition calendar! In the exhibition halls you will be presented with a complete cross section of everything that is current in your business, and in the conference theatre each speaker will be examining the relevant issues that affect your business both today and in the immediate future. We hope to appeal to visitors from all areas of the industry, offering a vibrant forum to interact with fellow sign professionals. Do enjoy your visit!”