What to see at The Knowledge Zone on the final day of The Print Show
In this roundup article, we recap all the industry insights, key topics, and expert advice that will be covered at The Knowledge Zone on day three of The Print Show 2026
Final visitor numbers will be revealed by organisers in the coming days, but some exhibitors have already confirmed a series of machinery sales that were completed during this year’s event
Organisers of The Print Show and co-located The Sign Show have reported a year-on-year increase in visitor numbers for the 2026 events, with machine sales on the show floor also expected to run into the millions of pounds.
Both shows closed their doors yesterday (1st October) after three busy days in Hall 1 of the NEC in Birmingham – taking place at a slightly later time this year to avoid a direct clash with Printing UNITED Expo in the US.
There was a strong feeling of positivity among exhibitors and organisers alike when the final visitors left on Thursday afternoon, with many reporting kit sales, strong leads, and an overall solid performance across the shows.
“We’re still crunching the numbers, but I can confirm that visitor numbers for the two shows were higher than last year,” says Chris Davies, event director of The Print Show and The Sign Show. “It really is a fantastic result for us as organisers.
“We’ve had some incredible feedback from exhibitors, with several already saying that they want to rebook for next year. Keep an eye out on the show’s social media channels over the coming months for confirmation of returning exhibitors.
“On that note, we’ve also had interest from companies that have never exhibited before, and we very much look forward to sitting down with them soon to see how we can work together moving forward.”
Those in attendance at the show were able to view a whole range of new machines, with several exhibitors using the events to display kit in the UK for the first time.
Among the highlights was the first public showing of the AccurioLabel 231 on the Konica Minolta Business Solutions UK stand. In fact, such was the impact of the live demos at the show that Handy Labels became the first company in the UK to place an order – doing so on the show floor.
“Since day one we have promised our customers great value products and service without compromising quality,” says Handy Labels founder Martyn Kilford, adding: “This new device from Konica Minolta ensures we can continue to honour this commitment as we scale and diversify to meet the needs of our customers.”
Another manufacturer which had a good show this year was Plockmatic Group, which counts Morgana and Intec among its brands. Ed Hudson, general manager of UK, sales and service told Print Monthly that with just over an hour before the end of the show, the company had completed at least £527,000 worth of sales.
“That is for orders genuinely taken on the stand during the show,” Hudson says, adding: “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 particular popular with visitors this year.”
CMYUK, which supplies various wide-format print solutions, also had a successful few days at the NEC with several deals. These included the sale of a new EFI VUTEk M3h 3.2m LED hybrid printer to Banner Box Print Solutions, with this agreed and signed off at the show.
In addition, Vivid Laminating Technologies sold several pieces of machinery during the show. Global Experience Specialists was one company that invested on site, picking up a new 3.2m Veloblade Nexus on the final day of the show.
Despite the two shows having only just closed their doors, Davies says thoughts are already turning towards next year and how the events can improve again.
“We’ll take time to regroup and relax before sitting down as a team to begin planning for the 2027 shows,” he says, adding: “It’s safe to say you can expect much more next September.”
The Print Show and The Sign Show 2027 will take place from 21st to 23rd September in Hall 1 of the NEC.
