ImagesMagUK_March_2022

www.images-magazine.com MARCH 2022 images 23 KB INDUSTRY EVENT Make the most of Sign & Digital UK 2022 later this month with insider info from event director Jenny Matthew Sign &Digital UK 2022: Preview What will be the must-see stands for Images readers at Sign & Digital UK (SDUK) 2022? Whatever your needs, you can be sure to discover something new and exciting at every turn. However, for those looking to see the latest developments in the world of textile, soft signage and interiors, I would suggest that the Textile Tech trail would be a very good starting point. Must-see exhibitors on the Textile Tech trail currently include Adivin Beach Flag, Amaya Sales UK, Axzyra, Brand-It Technologies, Epson, Hybrid Services/Mimaki, InkTec Europe, Quality Print Services, R A Smart, Roland DG, TheMagicTouch, Witpac and Your Print Specialists. Many more suppliers exhibiting at SDUK 2022 now offer some form of sustainability solution, and this year many of the leading with the International Sign Association UK. This is a rolling programme of business and technical advice sessions designed to help visitors keep up with the changing market, gain insight to strengthen and grow their businesses, and identify new revenue opportunities. The programme has been developed to include real-world case studies and interactive presentations in an informal space where advice and information can be exchanged. All of the sessions are free to attend and there’s no need to book. Sessions include ‘Essential Tools for Garment Decoration’, ‘Is recruiting and retaining staff causing you pain?’, and ‘Diversifying and thriving in a changing marketplace’. Are there any changes to the show, or special requirements, because of Covid? We’ll be working to the event industry’s ‘All Secure Standard’ and the latest government guidelines. Visitors will receive the updated guidance when their badges are issued. One key change is that we’re going digital with our badging and the way visitors collect information from exhibitors. This will make the process contactless, but also has the added benefit of being much more sustainable. We’ve also created additional space on the show floor for more socially distanced business discussions if needed. Full details will be available on the SDUK website closer to the show. brands are showcasing environmentally friendly eco inks, production systems that use much less power, and recyclable non-PVC substrates. To this end we have created the Sustainability Trail to help visitors to learn more. Which bit of the show are you most excited about? I’m thrilled by the prospect of welcoming visitors back to the show. This could be one of the thousands of people who have recently set up a small business during lockdown and are looking to turn their creativity into a career, or an established display printer looking to take its business to the next level. Visitors to SDUK 2022 can expect the unveiling of new technology innovations, to experience a wide range of products and learning opportunities, and see what’s possible in terms of output and to be inspired by the new creative applications on show. What new equipment launches can our readers expect to see? Images readers focusing on soft signage and textile applications can expect to see many new technologies on display for the first time in the UK. One of the key technology trends in the world of textiles and soft signage is hybrid textile printers. While not entirely a brand-new concept, many of the leading brands launched these machines during the pandemic and as such they were unable to bring them to the attention of a wider audience. Another inspiring new technology that many garment decorators will find useful is direct-to film printing. For a long time, direct-to-garment has been the ‘go to’ solution for those looking to print onto a wide variety of garment types and colours, but now there’s a viable alternative and the market is buzzing with excitement about this game-changing new advancement. Are you or any of the exhibitors offering any workshops or seminars? In addition to the Sustainability and Textile Tech trails, another first for 2022 is the SDUK Explains Lounge, in partnership Sign & Digital UK takes place on 22-24 March 2022 at the NEC, Birmingham. Register now at www.signanddigitaluk.com . Jenny Matthew New for this year is the Textile Tech trail The SDUK Explains Lounge offers advice sessions for those looking to grow their businesses and identify new opportunities