With the dust having settled after the ninth edition of The Print Show, we take a look back at this year’s event, picking out some of the many highlights from the UK’s only dedicated print exhibition
Speaking with visitors, exhibitors and organisers, ironically, one of the main buzzwords from The Print Show was ‘buzz’. Many spoke about how much buzz there was around the hall as the event returned for its ninth edition at the NEC in September.
This “buzz” was partly down to the addition of the newly co-located The Sign Show, which made its debut alongside The Print Show this year. However, the remaining buzz came from a combination of an impressive line-up of exhibitors at the two shows, a stronger overall look for the show (including all-new, impressive entrance arches), and a notably higher sense of optimism across the industry as a whole, with a feeling of “print is back”.
Of course, those in the industry know that print has never gone away, and indeed never will. However, renewed confidence in print from further afield appears to be having an impact on the market, with plenty of business being done across the three days in Birmingham. If you were not able to attend, Print Monthly is on hand to round-up the best bits.
Important to organisers and exhibitors alike, there was good news on the visitor front for the 2025 show. The Print Show organisers state that 5,379 visits were recorded during the event, which, compared with the same data from the previous year, represents a 34% rise – much to the delight of event director, Chris Davies.
“For me, this was the best event we have ever put on,” Davies says, adding: “As an organiser, we wanted to step it up a notch this year, including an improved entrance area and an enhanced Knowledge Zone speaker area, and both visitors and exhibitors really responded to it.”
Factoid: The Print Show and The Sign Show will move to Hall 1 of the NEC for the 2026 events, both of which will run from September 29th to October 1st
Davies also highlights the success of The Sign Show, which, he confirms, will be back again in 2026 after a strong showing this time out. He says: “The Sign Show was clearly well received by the wider industry, with exhibitors and visitors praising its focus on signage and how it has filled a gap in the market for an event that showcases UK sign-making. We’re delighted to be bringing it back for a second outing in 2026.”
Of, course, crucial to the success of any industry event is the calibre of exhibitors that are in attendance. Epson, Agfa, Fujifilm, swissQprint, InkTec Europe, Vivid Laminating Technologies, Antalis, and Plockmatic Group were among the big names in The Print Show section of the hall. Meanwhile, HP, Hybrid Services (Mimaki), Graphtec GB (Mutoh), Roland DG, and EFKA Frame Solutions were all in attendance for year one of The Sign Show.
In fact, such is the anticipated increase in demand for stands that both events will switch to a larger hall for the 2026 event, which will mark the tenth anniversary edition of The Print Show. The combined event will run at the slightly later dates of September 29th to October 1st in Hall 1 of the NEC, with the floorplan already available to view across the two event websites.
"For me, this was the best event we have ever put on"
“The Print Show continues to go from strength to strength, while The Sign Show will now be a regular feature on the industry calendar,” Davies says, adding: “We’ve had some excellent feedback from exhibitors, many of which have indicated that they will return for our tenth anniversary edition next year, and I look forward to meeting with them over the coming weeks and months.”
While many visited the shows to see technology for the first time or learn more about new solutions, some elected to take it a step further and elected to invest in kit while at the show – something that should not be taken lightly given the financial constraints on businesses in the print sector.
Vivid Laminating Technologies set a new record by selling five Velodblade Nexus devices on its stand. It also hosted the global launch of its new Razar, a new machine that can spot UV up to B2 as well as cut and crease in one pass. Ballyprint.com of Northern Ireland became the first company in the world to purchase the machine, agreeing a deal during the show.
“What we like about The Print Show is that the organisers work tirelessly to make it work for you,” Vivid said in a social media post, after the show, adding: “They leave you to get on with selling and dealing with customers and genuinely want everyone to do well. A big thanks to Chris and the team for putting on a great event; we know how much hard work goes into these shows.”
What we like about The Print Show is that the organisers work tirelessly to make it work for you
Konica Minolta also reported several sales on its stand at The Print Show. Design, print, sign, and exhibition services specialist Graphix purchased a new AccurioPress C7090 ENHANCED digital production press. Meanwhile, commercial print specialist GD Print opted for a new AccurioPress C14010s, and AccurioPress C7090 ENHANCED.
Elsewhere, POSITIVE+ invested in a new Impala 5 from swissQprint, while Plockmatic Group, which counts Morgana, Intec, and Renz among its brands, reported high levels of sales consistently throughout the show.
Of course, it was not all about selling kit, with many visitors there simply to check out what was new in print and speak with manufacturers about the options available to them. Some exhibitors were showing solutions for the first time, while others elected to bring with them existing products to demonstrate their capabilities in person.
As for the new kit that was on display, highlights included Hybrid Services, the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, which hosted the global launch of the Mimaki TS200-1600 dye sublimation printer within The Sign Show section of the hall. The machine is billed as the “ideal solution” for smaller shops, start-ups, and any businesses looking to expand into customised goods and short-run textile production.
“Launching the new Mimaki TS200-1600 at The Sign Show gave visitors the opportunity to see first-hand how dye sublimation could open new revenue streams for their business,” says Hybrid sales director, Andy Gregory, adding: “As an entry-level solution, the TS200 makes it easier than ever for companies to take that next step and diversify their offering.”
Hybrid also used the new show for the UK and Irish launch of the Mimaki UJV300DTF-75. A compact, UV DTF printer, Hybrid says the machine allows users to easily create premium decals, bespoke branding, and personalisation.
Elsewhere, Fujifilm showed the new 5UPER COLOUR print models, which include the Revoria Press EC2100S and SC285S, on its stand right at the front of Hall 3. Visitors were even treated to a live DJ performance throughout the event. In addition, China Print Supplies, which had a stand that catered to both shows, displayed its new Hapond 3-in-1 Double-Sided Printer, a 3.2m machine that prints perfectly registered graphics on both sides of a roll simultaneously.
While most exhibitors will have been kept busy going though leads in the weeks after the show, the early feedback has been positive across the board, with many turning to social media to express their satisfaction about attending.
“What a phenomenal week at The Print Show 2025,” InkTec Europe said in a LinkedIn post, adding: “Our stand turned heads with a visual JETRIX timeline, demonstrating 15-plus years of printer excellence and over three decades in ink mastery. We were grateful for the connections and inspired for what’s next.”
Alla Lavrenchuk, events and digital experience manager at Konica Minolta Business Solutions UK, was also full of praise, saying: “The Print Show was a clear reminder that print isn’t just about what we see on the surface. It’s about the experience it creates, the creativity it unlocks, and the impact it delivers. You could feel the energy of innovation. Technology that is pushing the boundaries of speed, quality, and personalisation, as well as sustainable solutions that are showing that responsibility and creativity go hand in hand.”
What we like about The Print Show is that the organisers work tirelessly to make it work for you
Oliver Chesters-Lewis, sales executive at Fujifilm, adds: “What an amazing three days at the NEC for The Print Show. It was fantastic to see so many people passionate about print and innovation. We loved every moment of connecting, sharing ideas, and showcasing our brand-new 5SuperColour devices and wide-format solutions.”
Finally, FESPA UK, the regional division of the FESPA global trade organisation, said: “The whole of our FESPA UK team had a fantastic time at The Print Show and The Sign Show. It was especially inspiring to see the Next Generation with their very own stand, stepping up as a team in their own right. From recording podcasts, giving interviews, and even creating and managing the stand together – they showed what the future of our industry looks like!”
The FESPA UK comments bring us on nicely to another key part of the two shows: the special feature areas. For The Print Show, this meant the return of the Knowledge Zone, which again played host to a wide range of expert speakers, both from the print sector and wider afield. This year also saw the area given a significant facelift, complete with a stunning backdrop and giant digital video wall that screened each session.
Stand-out presentations included Jeremy Page and George Kowalowski of BrandNation, who were first up on the new-look Knowledge Zone stage with an insightful session on the future of AI in print. Tom Willday, founder of Willsow, shared his experience of appearing on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den, while the FESPA UK Next Generation Committee spoke about the importance of drawing young people to print; both of which attracted large crowds.
Other sessions included Solopress chief executive officer, Simon Cooper, who looked at the longer-term environmental impact of AI, while the always effervescent Deborah Corn spoke about selling the security of print, before joining an honest panel discussion on the opportunities for women in print.
Across the hall in The Sign Show, visitors were invited to get hands on across several interactive areas. The School of Wrap allowed attendees to try out vehicle and architectural wrapping, under the expert guidance of CVi Group, SPACE Architectural Interiors, All Print Supplies, Fedrigoni, and FESPA UK.
Across the aisle, the supremely talented David Mearns from Signmode showcased his talents on the Traditional Sign-Making Masterclass, inviting visitors to try their hand at signwriting and learn more about this incredible art.
Finally, Neon Creations welcomed visitors to the Neon Insights area to educate them about neon signs, displaying some of their incredible signs and encouraging those in attendance to try out neon glass bending.
“Having The Sign Show alongside The Print Show this year has been a real pleasure,” Davies says. “It adds a whole new angle to what was already a diverse event, and I look forward to chatting with the team about how we can evolve both shows for next year and beyond.
“We are already booking in meetings with exhibitors that want to secure their places early ready for 2026, while we have had interest from companies that haven’t exhibited with us before. Keep an eye on our social channels for the latest updates – you can expect plenty over the coming weeks and months.”
With these words of optimism ringing in our ears, it is hard not to get excited about next autumn and the next instalment of both The Print Show and The Sign Show. Of course, the challenge for exhibitors will be to improve again on this year’s impressive outing. However, with it being The Print Show’s anniversary year, it is safe to say that we should expect big things from the Bristol-based team.
