The second co-location of Sign & Digital UK (SDUK) and Printwear & Promotion LIVE! proved to be a resounding success, attracting 7,055 visitors over the course of the event. Held at the NEC in Birmingham, the exhibition provided a platform for professionals from the visual communications and garment decoration industries to explore the latest equipment, products, and services. The seamless integration of the two halls created a unified experience, with visitors freely moving between the two exhibitions.
Exhibitor and Visitor Feedback
Event director Tony Gardner expressed his satisfaction with the event, noting the positive reception from both exhibitors and visitors. He highlighted the absence of a partition between the two halls, which fostered a continuous flow of attendees and created the atmosphere of a single, cohesive event. Gardner also emphasized the return of major industry players such as Antalis, William Smith, and Hexis, whose presence added significant value to the exhibition. The Hexis Wrap Battle and the special guest appearance of Yiannimize (Yianni Charalambous) were particularly well-received, generating excitement and engagement among attendees.
Over 60 exhibitors showcased their latest innovations, with several companies using the event as a platform for product launches. For instance, Hybrid Services unveiled the new Mimaki JFX200-1213EX flatbed printer, while Roland DG introduced the TrueVIS XP-640. These launches provided visitors with firsthand access to cutting-edge technology and solutions for their businesses.
Industry Insights and Collaboration
The exhibition also served as a hub for knowledge sharing and collaboration. Katie Farr, marketing and communications manager at Antalis, praised the event for its vibrancy and educational value. She highlighted the opportunity to collaborate with industry partners, participate in panel discussions, and connect with businesses seeking material solutions. Similarly, Chris Bailey, managing director of Quality Print Services, noted the success of the event in generating interest in the products on display.
Yiannimize’s Guest Appearance
One of the standout moments of the exhibition was the appearance of Yianni Charalambous, the CEO of Yiannimize and a YouTube sensation known for his car wrapping expertise. Yianni took to the stage at The Explains Lounge for an interview with Jack Gocher, editor of Eye on Display, where he shared insights into his business and the car wrapping industry. His presence drew significant attention, particularly when he brought along his Lamborghini Revuelto, which became a popular photo opportunity for visitors.
Yianni also served as a guest judge for the Hexis Wrap Battle, offering commentary on the competitors’ skills and selecting a wildcard entry for the Grand Final. Reflecting on his experience, Yianni described the event as “thriving” and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the industry and showcase his work.
Hexis Wrap Battle
The Hexis Wrap Battle was a major highlight of the exhibition, showcasing the talent and skill of vehicle wrappers. After three days of intense competition, Chris Hooper of Wrapworx Devon emerged as the winner, retaining his title from 2023 and taking home a prize of £1,000 worth of Hexis products. Hooper’s precision, speed, and expertise demonstrated why he is considered one of the best in the industry. Chris Edwards of CVI Group and Oleg Sozonenko of Silverstone Wraps secured second and third place, respectively.
The daily finals of the Wrap Battle were judged by Yianni, who provided expert commentary and selected a wildcard entry for the Grand Final. The competition not only highlighted the skill of the participants but also underscored the growing popularity and innovation within the vehicle wrapping industry.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 2024 co-location has set a strong foundation for future events. Both Sign & Digital UK and Printwear & Promotion LIVE! are set to return to the NEC in Birmingham in February 2026. The positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors, coupled with the seamless integration of the two exhibitions, suggests that the event will continue to grow and attract even greater participation in the years to come.
Key Takeaways
- The co-location of Sign & Digital UK and Printwear & Promotion LIVE! attracted 7,055 visitors, creating a unified and dynamic event.
- Major exhibitors such as Antalis, William Smith, and Hexis returned to the show, contributing to its success.
- Product launches, including the Mimaki JFX200-1213EX and TrueVIS XP-640, provided visitors with access to the latest technology.
- The appearance of Yianni Charalambous (Yiannimize) and the Hexis Wrap Battle were standout moments, generating significant buzz and engagement.
- The event served as a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and business growth, with exhibitors and visitors alike praising its value.
- The success of the 2024 event has set the stage for the return of both exhibitions in February 2026, with expectations of continued growth and innovation.
Overall, the 2024 co-location of Sign & Digital UK and Printwear & Promotion LIVE! demonstrated the strength and vibrancy of the visual communications and garment decoration industries, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience for all attendees.
.
.
.
#SignAndDigitalUK #PrintwearAndPromotion #HexisWrapBattle #Yiannimize #VisualCommunications #GarmentDecoration #MimakiJFX200 #RolandDGTrueVIS #Antalis #WilliamSmith #VehicleWrapping #NECBirmingham #WrapBattle2023 #YianniCharalambous #LamborghiniRevuelto
