Organisers of The Print Show and The Sign Show are delighted to announce a year-on-year increase in attendance for this year’s edition of the co-located events, with the final attendee figure reaching 5,567.
The two events took place alongside each other from 29 September to 1 October in Hall 1 of the NEC in Birmingham. Anticipation was high for not only the tenth anniversary edition of The Print Show, but also the second instalment of The Sign Show.
The overall attendance figure represents a 4% increase on last year’s total of 5,336. However, organisers highlighted that the 2025 show included around 350 visitors from the PPMA Show, driven by a partnership between the two events. After excluding “crossover” visitors, attendance was 12% higher year-on-year.
“We are delighted with the response to both The Print Show and The Sign Show this year,” said Chris Davies, event director of the two events. “More people were in the hall across the three days and that is a reflection on the quality of the events we put on. It was the best line-up of exhibitors we’ve ever had, with some of the biggest names in print in attendance.”
HP, Epson, Roland DG, Agfa, Hybrid Services (Mimaki), swissQprint, Konica Minolta, Vivid Laminating Technologies, CMYUK, Plockmatic Group and Soyang Group were just some of the companies exhibiting this year across the two events. CMYUK took the largest stand in the show’s history, allowing it to showcase a range of leading kit, including the exciting EFI VUTEk M3h 3.2m wide UV LED hybrid printer.
Strong Demand for New Technology
Alongside an increase in attendance numbers, organisers have also confirmed that a whole host of technology sales were completed in the hall across the three days. Early indications show that more than £1m worth of business was conducted at the two events.
Among the exhibitors that finalised sales at the show was Plockmatic Group, which counts Morgana and Intec among its brands. Ed Hudson, general manager of UK, sales and service, said that with just over an hour before the end of the show, the company had completed £527,000 worth of sales.
“That is for orders genuinely taken on the stand during the show,” Hudson said. “To say that I am thrilled would be an understatement. While we’ve had interest across the board, I would say our NovaBind 300 perfect binder and the Uchida AeroDieCut have been particularly popular with visitors this year.”
CMYUK also had a successful few days on its record-breaking stand with several deals. These included the sale of a new EFI VUTEk M3h 3.2m to Banner Box Print Solutions. In addition, Vivid Laminating Technologies sold several pieces of machinery, including a new 3.2m Veloblade Nexus to Global Experience Specialists on the final day of the show.
“Of course, attendance is the first thing people ask about at the end of the show, but to us as an organiser, to see so many technology sales being completed at the event is just as important,” Davies said. “This goes to show that The Print Show and The Sign Show are crucial platforms for manufacturers and suppliers to not only display technology but also conduct business.”
Feature Fantastic
In addition to the main attraction of new technology, visitors were treated to a series of special features across the two events. These included the returning Knowledge Zone speaker area and the all-new Print Mastermind Live with the Online Print Coach, Colin Sinclair McDermott and the Print Show Podcast Booth.
As for The Sign Show, the returning Traditional Sign-Making Masterclass with David Mearns of Signmode was once again a success, as was the new PPF Knowledge Hub, where those in attendance saw live paint protection films demos on a Mercedes CLA and Aston Martin DBS, and the BSGA Route in collaboration with the British Sign & Graphics Association.
“We are all about added value and ensuring visitors get the very most out of their day with us,” Davies said. “We appreciate they are taking time out of the working day to visit the shows, so the more we can offer to them in terms of content, guidance and advice, the better.”
High Hopes for 2027
Although the dust may have only just settled after The Print Show and The Sign Show 2026, thoughts are already turning towards next year, with organisers looking at ways to improve the two events and deliver an even better experience for exhibitors and visitors alike.
“We’ve had some excellent feedback from exhibitors, some of which have already begun the process of booking their stands for 2027, and we’ll be making announcements on that in due course,” Davies said.
“We’re taking some time to recover and regroup before the planning really starts for 2027. That said, we have already had conversations with several leading companies, which have not exhibited before, about being at the show next year.
“On this point, it’s crucial that we continue to evolve the two shows year-on-year with new exhibitors, fresh technologies and exciting features. Watch this space!”
