Datateam Business Media, owner of Sign and Digital UK, has confirmed that the ISA-UK backed Explains Lounge will return to the show (25-27 February, NEC) for a third year.
Craig Brown, CEO of ISA-UK, said: "We are excited to bring back the Explains Lounge, offering an enriched programme that reflects our commitment to advancing the signage industry. With insightful presentations, expert-led discussions, and valuable networking opportunities, we aim to create a dynamic and educational experience for all participants."
The full programme can be found on the show website, but for example, each day of the show will see sessions on helping attendees run successful businesses by exploring topics like expanding into garment, textile, and personalised product printing, along with considerations for diversifying into flatbed printing.
Business advice sessions will cover issues such as selecting the right vinyl, leveraging social media, and a case study on seizing business opportunities.
Daily panel discussions will explore recycling, large-format printing trends, and recruitment strategies. Each day, a special guest will lead a ‘Feature Session’ on market-wide issues.
Event director Tony Gardner said: “The Explains Lounge has established itself as a key element of the show. This year, we have an even more diverse programme of sessions designed to captivate, educate and inspire visitors. We believe these sessions are a vital part of the overall Sign and Digital UK experience, and we are delighted to have put together such a diverse and experienced range of speakers and panellists.”
Printwear and Promotion Live! - the event which runs alongside SDUK for the first time this year - has also confirmed its seminar programmes, and will host talks in the Decoration Advice Suite and Knowledge Centre on the show floor in Hall 1.
In the Decoration Advice Suite Colin Marsh of Resolute DTF is among the returning speakers and will highlight what’s next for the growing direct to film (DTF) print market. New to the line-up is Dave Conner from Stahls’ and Transfer Express who will fly in from the US to host sessions on direct to film transfers and on the future of print on-demand.
In the Knowledge Centre, Instagram expert Estelle Keeber will provide tips on how to succeed on the social media platform in 2024. Also sharing marketing know-how is Molly Harmon from Stahls’ UK, who will look at how businesses can build an effective marketing strategy and content calendar without the need for a marketing department.
Colin Sinclair McDermott, The Online Print Coach, will host two sessions. In the first he will share 10 quick winning strategies to increase print sales in 2024, and in the second he will guide attendees through the essentials of creating and implementing effective systems and processes help their businesses to thrive.