uksignboards.com

[Erika Williams]

I'd love to.

If they let me in

All the pics from the event will be up on the web site today (including ones of the awards). I'll post URL later.

[Ian Pople]

so who won the printer at the show?

[Robert Lambie]

arrived at The Sign Show on Tuesday evening and left Thursday evening…
In the whole time I was there I did not leave the building. This, for me at least, had to be the best part of the venue…
I had accommodation in the Ricoh hotel, 71 rooms and suites. the rooms were good and at reasonable rates.
Food and Restaurants: There was a wide selection of restaurants and bars open from early morning till “I think” 5am in a couple of the Casino restaurants.
The casino itself was very nice…it was located right underneath the Sign Show. Down an escalator and you had arrived. Food and drink was very reasonable too and it didn’t close till 6am… “from what I can remember”
Although I did not drive to the show, there seemed to be ample parking space, of which I hear was free! I travelled by train from Scotland and arrived in Coventry City Station, The Ricoh was only 5 minutes in a taxi ride from there.

The Show itself…. On entering It appeared to be a fair bit smaller than SignUK.
The Hall I recon was around half, maybe two thirds the size and with a lower ceiling. It very much resembled SignUK but with smaller stands. Allot of the larger suppliers were there, but also a pretty decent spread of the smaller suppliers too.
As has been said, the traffic seemed to go up and down throughout the day. This didn’t seem to be a bad thing because exhibitors actually had time to stand and chat.
Something I really never got a chance to do much of in the past…
I spoke with a good few exhibitors and had mixed views on how well things went for them. Many were of the same opinion, nice venue, a bit quiet at times, but purchases were still being made, some good leads and so on.

I can honestly say I spent too much time gabbing to folk around the hall to actually digest everything on show. However, I would say my two Favourite finds of the show
Had to be The NEW smaller version of Ground Plug which I think will be ideal for Sign Makers at every level. www.groundplug.co.uk (the new plug is not yet on the website but will be featured here on UKSB soon).
The best part about this product is it has been created by a sign maker that knows all the aches and pains of erecting freestanding signs.
My second best find was something I have known about for some time, as well as many of you on here will. That is the Rolls Roller from WmSmith. Now you may think oh yeh, seen it, no interest to me… to big, too expensive.. that’s what I did!
Reality is, you honestly have to have a go at using it yourself to grasp the benefits and ease of use. It comes in various sizes, from an 8x4 upwards to about 6metres long. If you are a one man band and need help lettering, applying application tape, mounting graphics etc and need a an extra set of hands, this could be what you are after. Cheaper than an employee for one year, and this one doesn’t take holidays or days off and expect to get paid. www.rollsroller.co.uk as I said, “physically” give it a go at the next sign exhibition or road show. Ide be interested in your own thoughts.

I think the industry awards being held day two upstairs from the show complemented the show nicely because again, it was all in the same building. From mingling at the show with sign makers and suppliers, to mingling, eating, drinking and laughing in the evenings too… 3 days and two nights with the a big chunk of the industry under one roof is ample time for some serious networking.
I have often threatened to attend the awards, but never have. This time round I decided to go for it and I am glad I did. I had a really good evening with good friends from the boards as well as meeting up with suppliers and the like throughout the night.
Having three UKSG members shortlisted for an award in three categories just added to the excitement for us all… Sadly, by the end of the awards, only one of us was taking home a trophy, that was Cheryl Smith and she deserved it!
Ian Johnston lost out to Active Signs, which is not what I would call a loss at all, As Active are one of the biggest players in our industry, so well done mate!
Me? Well I would hate to loose a bloody egg and spoon race never mind The Industry Awards…
Yes, Raccoon took that one for the 4th year running… never mind, I swallowed my pride in one go with a large glass of wine and made my way to the carnival side shows gritting my teeth, determined to win at least a coconut!

This is one of my pictures from the awards…
It looks a bit like Val Hirst of Sign Directions Magazine is slapping Jo Brand, ahem… I mean John Sergeant whilst Craig Brown of the BSGA tries to contain his laughter.



On that note, it was great to finally meet up with Val & Craig at the show…

So was The Sign Show a success? I guess only the organisers will truly know that.
I personally think they made a damn good first go of it… Where it will go from here, only time will tell…




.

[Erika Williams]

Thank you for all the comments. Keep them coming.

Pics can be found here http://www.thesignshow.co.uk/showpics.php we will be adding more throughout the day.

As for the printer. The draw is being made next week at the Canon head office. The result will be in The Show supplement in the next issue of Sign Link, which goes to press 26th Sept.

[Hamish Paterson]

Thanks for your kind words Robert, we were really pleased with the show - the Cross Spear had loads of interest, now we're just trying to follow up with everyone that wanted more information.
Note we will add a new web page for Cross Spear at the beginning of next week - will keep you posted.

Hamish

[Erika Williams]

Hi all,

I would like to pull a few quotes from the boards to use in the post show supplement that I am preparing. Can you let me know asap if you would not like me to use any thing you've posted.

Cheers

Erika

[Erika Williams]

Hey all,

Sign-Link is out in the next couple of days so you'll be able to see and read a bit more about the show.
We are having a meeting with the Ricoh tomorrow so following that we will be able to officially announce the dates for next year's show.

Oh and some inside information. The Canon printer was won by Signs Express in Milton Keynes. I've just spoken to Stuart who is very pleased and currently clearing the print room to make room for the new addition. We'll be covering the install in the next addition of Sign-Link

[Ian Pople]

Nice to see a small Struggling sign company won the printer, NOT.

[Jason Davies]

Good point Ian.

Jason

[Peter Normington]

dont be cynical. I'm sure the draw was random,

Peter