Sign & Digital UK Review

Now that the bank holiday is over there is time to reflect on Sign & Digital 2009. So what’s to be said about this year’s event? The show had a smaller footprint, yes; but the number and quality of the exhibitors did not appear to be diminished. If anything there was more for the average signmaker to see and the greater intimacy of the space made it easier for them to appreciate what was on display.

There was a touch less razzmatazz and clearly a number of the major exhibitors had downsized their stands, but perhaps this was no bad thing. My impression was that this made things appear more business like. The focus had shifted away from the stands, which was the biggest, most expensive, most spectacular etc., to the materials and equipment on offer, which is after all why signmakers come to the NEC.

What brought about the change? One could be negative and invoke the ‘R’ word, but there was a positive vibe at the show. I would rather say that in the current climate we are all aiming to maximise the return on our investment, be it time or money.

Achieving this requires careful thought and creativity; both were reflected in the style and content of this year’s show.

Feedback from BSGA members exhibiting at the show indicates that the level of interest from visitors was high and the quality of leads good. Many of the signmakers may have been looking for a bargain and who can blame them. However, they had money to spend and product was being sold at the show. One member told me that he felt visitors seemed a bit more relaxed about coming on to their stand and those that did wanted to talk seriously about buying equipment.

I have only a couple of other observations to make. First I noticed that at least two member companies, Applelec Sign Components and Universal Aluminium Systems, were displaying the BSGA logo on their stands; thanks guys you made an old man very happy.

And finally, sharing a stand with Sign Directions means that I get to tag along to the occasional press junket, which can be fun and very informative!

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