Who's going to Sign & Digital UK? Where to stay?

Fri Feb 13, 2015 11:48 am Author: Ewan Chrystal

I'm going this year for the first time, who else is going and can you recommend accommodation? I'll be down myself so would be good to meet a few of you and put faces to the names so to speak.

Fri Feb 13, 2015 1:17 pm Author: Cat Wood

We're going to be there! (Stand F30 if you'd like to say hi

)
We always stay at the same place in town (Arcadia Apartments) so probably not the best person to offer accommodation advice.

What are you hoping to see at the show?

Cat

Fri Feb 13, 2015 2:30 pm Author: Robert Lambie

I will be there for the three days... looking forward to it.
I am keeping my eyes peeled for anything new really. Always think trade shows, even if you don't buy something can inspire you in many ways.

Fri Feb 13, 2015 5:40 pm Author: Alan Drury

I hope to be there, generally go on the Wednesday and hope to see a few of you there. Driving distance for me so no overnight stay

Fri Feb 13, 2015 7:16 pm Author: Robert Lambie

Wednesday is normally the best Day I think...
I know John Thomson, John Harding etc already all going, Lorraine and others normally make an appearance too..
Ewan, Alan, keep us posted on when you would be good to meet up if your there too.

Cat Wood wrote:We're going to be there! (Stand F30 if you'd like to say hi )

wonder if they have a bar on their stand? :wink:

Fri Feb 13, 2015 9:03 pm Author: KevinGaffney

Might make the trip over after missing a few years. New Roland printer being installed in next two weeks so curious to see what new avenues that might lead to

Fri Feb 13, 2015 9:29 pm Author: Gill Harrison

I'll be there all week.....I cant remember our stand numbers but I'm sure you'll find us and no Mr Lambie no bar on our stand but I'm pretty sure Nigel will have a bottle or two put to one side for you :wink:

I really missed exhibiting last year so I'm glad we'll be there this. :lol1:

Sat Feb 14, 2015 9:20 am Author: Ewan Chrystal

Any hotel recommendations?

Sat Feb 14, 2015 12:08 pm Author: John Thomson

We are going down on Tuesday, staying over for 2 nights in the Hilton which although pricey is just a short walk from the show.

I love going down to the show every year for a short break.......great for catching up with suppliers you normally only speak to on the phone and friends from the boards to catch up for a drink.

New kit is always worth a look even if it is way out the price range of the likes of me.......the tech always filters down to the cheaper end of the market. Every time you walk around it you see something you've missed.

Expecting 3D printers to be on show from more suppliers this year.

John

Sat Feb 14, 2015 3:17 pm Author: Ewan Chrystal

Will need to get my finger out, the hotels are getting booked up quite quickly

Sat Feb 14, 2015 7:32 pm Author: Tim Cowlishaw

I live close buy and will go Just to dribble on kit I cannot afford at present :lol1:

Sun Feb 15, 2015 10:03 am Author: Michael Kalisperas

I'll certainly be there it's my birthday on the Tuesday so it's dangerous to go down on that day I may treat myself too much. I'm thinking Wednesday or Thursday. Only live hour away so not a problem getting there. Be nice to say hi to peeps from here. Hoping all being well with my little lad who has been in hospital recently and now out and recovering so should all be good to have a gander by the 25th.

Actually looking forward to it.
;)

Sun Feb 15, 2015 7:47 pm Author: Gill Harrison

One of my colleagues told me about the cash back app "Quidco". I signed up a couple of weeks back and at the mo you get 12% back on mobile bookings for Hotel.com.
You actually get cash back on lots of online shopping sites, so well worth a look and if you're booking a couple of nights to attend Sign & dig then the cash back would pay for a beer or three?!!!!!

Wed Feb 18, 2015 7:30 am Author: Robert Lambie

Looking at the rooms just now, oddly enough most of the big hotels on-site at the NEC are still available, but prices still higher than the norm. I am guessing this might be because the Commercial Vehicle show is not on at the same time this year. could the prices drop nearer the time? probably not! :lol1:

I always end up on Broad Street for food etc. on the second night so wondering if i am better having a hotel there, but then its back to the show the next day in a taxi... hmmm decisions decisions... :roll:

knowing my luck ill end up kipping in a wheelie bin up some dodgy alley. :lol1:

Wed Feb 18, 2015 4:18 pm Author: Ewan Chrystal

Is the NEC near the city centre?

Wed Feb 18, 2015 4:25 pm Author: Ewan Chrystal

Prices seem a wee bit better in the city actually

Wed Feb 18, 2015 4:54 pm Author: Robert Lambie

its about 15 minutes in a taxi but train runs right to the show also.
prices i saw were much cheaper in the city. looked at the ones Cat suggested too and they were really good.
its just the back and forward to the show that's the killer because the on-site hotels are just a stone throw from the show.

Wed Feb 18, 2015 5:14 pm Author: Ewan Chrystal

Hampton by Hilton looks good

Wed Feb 18, 2015 6:37 pm Author: James Sahota

Rob....

Where you staying my old son!

I might bring dust of that fancy motor of mine and bring it up for the 3 days....

I haven't booked anywhere yet

Thu Feb 19, 2015 3:09 pm Author: Robert Lambie

James Sahota wrote:Where you staying my old son!

Ewan Chrystal wrote:Hampton by Hilton looks good

looks fine to me too Ewan... couldn't get it any closer to Broad Street could you? :lol1:

Fri Feb 20, 2015 12:41 am Author: Michael Kalisperas

I only ever been for one day as I live not massively far but are there any benefits for attending additional days?? Is the last day the best for offers?? I always try to go mid event.

Fri Feb 20, 2015 10:14 am Author: Ian Johnston

Flying in on Wednesday for a few hours

Fri Feb 20, 2015 10:59 am Author: Ewan Chrystal

looks fine to me too Ewan... couldn't get it any closer to Broad Street could you?

Guessing Broad Street is the place to be? - what happens on broad street stays on broad street?

Sat Feb 21, 2015 12:34 am Author: Robert Lambie

Well i plan going down the Tuesday early morning by train, returning Thursday evening.
Would be good to meet up with everyone for a chin-wag and a few drinks.

Ian we will see you at the bar then mate! :wink:

Sat Feb 21, 2015 12:13 pm Author: Ewan Chrystal

Thats me booked into the Hampton By Hilton for 2 nights. Was planning to drive down but train might be a better option, especially if i'm going to be like a burst couch on Thursday

Mon Feb 23, 2015 1:27 pm Author: David Lowery

I will be going on the Wednesday this year. Gave last year a miss as the year before was very poor and did not see anyone off the boards at all

Thinking of booking a hotel so I dont have to travel back the same day. Prefer to get away from the area of the NEC to get cheaper prices.
Is there going to be a meet up in the bar area?

Tue Feb 24, 2015 10:08 am Author: George Elsmore

I will also be attending Wednesday but not staying overnight Dave i'll find you so you can buy me a beer :thumbup2:

Tue Feb 24, 2015 10:12 am Author: David Lowery

Just one George :roll:

Tue Feb 24, 2015 10:54 am Author: George Elsmore

well more if you drop the fruit machine on the motorway :wink:

Tue Mar 10, 2015 3:15 pm Author: Lorraine Clinch

We'll be there Wednesday. Where does everyone meet? The last time I went (2 years ago) I scoured the bars and could see no-one!

Lorraine

Tue Mar 10, 2015 3:18 pm Author: Robert Lambie

Lorraine Clinch wrote:The last time I went (2 years ago) I scoured the bars and could see no-one!

Yes, we were all hiding behind the bar, John Harding shouted... "quick Lorraine and Jeff are coming". :-?

Tue Mar 10, 2015 3:21 pm Author: Lorraine Clinch

Robert Lambie wrote:
Lorraine Clinch wrote:The last time I went (2 years ago) I scoured the bars and could see no-one!

Yes, we were all hiding behind the bar, John Harding shouted... "quick Lorraine and Jeff are coming".

"Sob", I guessed something like that!

Lol, hopefully we will catch up with you all this year, although we are not staying this time.

Lorraine

Tue Mar 10, 2015 5:01 pm Author: Peter Wynne

Hi all,

I'll be going down for 2 days (hopefully the Tuesday/Wednesday), and would love to meet some of you! I don't personally know anyone in the trade so would be great to make some new contacts :)

Tue Mar 10, 2015 5:44 pm Author: Jill Marie Welsh

Can't believe it's been six years already since the last time I was at SignUK. I think I still have a hangover. One of the best times of my life.
:lol1:

Love....Jill

Tue Mar 10, 2015 6:18 pm Author: Lorraine Clinch

Gosh Jill, really? It is so true, time really does fly! What a show that was, with you coming over from the USA, and Shane over from Australia! Your head must have been spinning from all the people you met. Best Sign show ever!

Lorraine

Wed Mar 11, 2015 1:35 am Author: Robert Lambie

Peter Wynne wrote:Hi all,

I'll be going down for 2 days (hopefully the Tuesday/Wednesday), and would love to meet some of you! I don't personally know anyone in the trade so would be great to make some new contacts :)

Feel free to join the rest of us mate. the more the merrier...

Jill, i cant believe the time thats past either! :-?

Wed Mar 11, 2015 5:58 pm Author: Peter Wynne

Great stuff, if there is a a collective meeting point/place/time then I'd love to know about it!

Not knowing anyone here there it'll be easy to miss people!

Failing that, I think I'm staying in the Travelodge in Fort Dunlop on the Wednesday(about 11miles away but was half the price!) so again, if anyone fancies a beer (or two) then I'll go with the crowd!

Wed Mar 11, 2015 6:08 pm Author: Ewan Chrystal

Yeah a meeting point (the bar) and time (when does it open?) would be good

Thu Mar 12, 2015 4:00 pm Author: Craig Brown

Jill Marie Welsh wrote:Can't believe it's been six years already since the last time I was at SignUK. I think I still have a hangover. One of the best times of my life.

Love....Jill

Jill, I can't believe that you are the only one of us that looks younger than 6 years ago...just look at Robs picture and you'll see what I mean

Thu Mar 12, 2015 4:13 pm Author: Robert Lambie

mine is about 10 months ago, in a bar, and im drunk in it. well... getting there, :wink:

Thu Mar 12, 2015 5:04 pm Author: Martin Cole

I will make a concerted effort to go this year as George has promised me a pint.
Haven't been for a few years now

Paperlinx stand at 1pm...that's where well meet...sorted

then off to the bar if you want to go.

All in agreement raise your right hand.

looking forward to it already :wink:

Thu Mar 12, 2015 5:14 pm Author: Cat Wood

A word to the wise... I think Roland might be bringing their cafe/bar back again this year. Perfect place to rest your weary feet...

Fri Mar 13, 2015 9:41 am Author: John Harding

Wow I come to this thread belatedly and already I feel a good event in the making

Peter Wynne - Broad street would have been a cheaper option by the time you get your taxi back at stupid O'clock in the morning

Ewan Chrystal Im in the Hampton by Hilton on Broad Street so looking forward to a few pre drinks with you before the messy stuff :lol1:

Lorraine/Rob

Yes, we were all hiding behind the bar, John Harding shouted... "quick Lorraine and Jeff are coming".

The only reason I said that was that Rob had told me you were a Publican/Alcoholic and we were down to our last crate of beer so had to conserve supplies :lol1:

I will make sure Rob gets more ale in this year instead of spending it on Taxis (eh Rob :wink:

)

George/Martin - George If you owe Martin a beer and Martin owes me a beer (or two) George you buy me a beer and we will cut out the middle man

I will have a chat with Nigel Pugh make sure theres beers so theres a meeting point option too!!!

Jill shame you and Shane cant be there (you were/are very entertaining :lol1:

)

Anyone not sure how to meet up (im -not sure we can put contact numbers here) just google V Signs/Hythe/Kent and youll have my mobile

John

Fri Mar 13, 2015 11:54 am Author: David Hammond

I've booked our tickets and will likely get the train down from Manchester, so I can partake in the UKSB 'Networking' :thumbup2:

What day is looking most popular?

Fri Mar 13, 2015 11:57 am Author: Ewan Chrystal

Ewan Chrystal Im in the Hampton by Hilton on Broad Street so looking forward to a few pre drinks with you before the messy stuff

excellent, at least i've got half a chance of finding my way back at the end of the night now lol

Fri Mar 13, 2015 12:01 pm Author: Robert Lambie

Cat Wood wrote:A word to the wise... I think Roland might be bringing their cafe/bar back again this year. Perfect place to rest your weary feet...

I think Cats implying free booze lads! but with a clause it may end up Tea & Coffee :wink:

Fri Mar 13, 2015 12:38 pm Author: James Sahota

I will be there all 3 days...Staying in the Crown Plaza

Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:18 pm Author: Gill Harrison

We've decided to stay in the city centre this year and hop on the train each morning. So my little car will get left in the car park on Monday and not looked at again until we are all packed up ready to go on Thursday.

Note to self.....remember to pack plenty of headache tablets just incase I have the odd lemonade or two :wink:

Fri Mar 13, 2015 9:25 pm Author: John Harding

Good plan Gill where are you guys staying?

Fri Mar 13, 2015 9:44 pm Author: Gill Harrison

I can't for the life of me remember the name John but I know it's very close to the station. It'll definitely save on taxi fares if we are within stumberling distance of the hotel from good old "Broad Street"

Mon Mar 16, 2015 7:50 pm Author: Stewart J Bell

Hi,
I always found CitiNites a great place to stay and again not far from Broad Street, we at MTEX are all fairly local so will travelling :-?

Mon Mar 16, 2015 9:30 pm Author: Lorraine Clinch

John Harding wrote:Wow I come to this thread belatedly and already I feel a good event in the making

Lorraine/Rob

Yes, we were all hiding behind the bar, John Harding shouted... "quick Lorraine and Jeff are coming".

The only reason I said that was that Rob had told me you were a Publican/Alcoholic and we were down to our last crate of beer so had to conserve supplies I will make sure Rob gets more ale in this year instead of spending it on Taxis (eh Rob )
John

Alcoholic? Moi? How very dare you, lol.

We still don't know where you will all be hiding from us this year. Hang on, :banghead:

did I really say that?

See you Wednesday, either in one of the Weatherspoons, or at the Roland stand.
Failing that, we'll be the two alkies staggering around swigging from our take-outs! :tongue:

Lorraine

Tue Mar 17, 2015 2:59 pm Author: Jean Oakley

I always stay at the Burlington out the station turn left and its two minutes from the station when i stay in Birmingham.
Im coming down with my two employees probably on Tuesday Would be good to catch up with people

Tue Mar 17, 2015 6:04 pm Author: Chris Windebank

Well its a no from me, too busy at the moment.

Enjoy everyone!

Wed Mar 18, 2015 4:31 pm Author: George Elsmore

Martin Cole wrote:I will make a concerted effort to go this year as George has promised me a pint.
Haven't been for a few years now

Paperlinx stand at 1pm...that's where well meet...sorted

then off to the bar if you want to go.

All in agreement raise your right hand.

looking forward to it already

ok deal 1pm at the grafityp stand sorted :thumbup2:

Wed Mar 18, 2015 5:02 pm Author: Jean Oakley

George Elsmore wrote:
Martin Cole wrote:I will make a concerted effort to go this year as George has promised me a pint.
Haven't been for a few years now

Paperlinx stand at 1pm...that's where well meet...sorted

then off to the bar if you want to go.

All in agreement raise your right hand.

looking forward to it already

which day are you talking about

ok deal 1pm at the grafityp stand sorted

Wed Mar 18, 2015 5:57 pm Author: John Harding

Right 1pm at impact stand :shake:

Wed Mar 18, 2015 6:22 pm Author: Martin Cole

Love it when a plan comes together... I need some bits off the Signwaves Stand so glad we are meeting there....1pm ..dont be late.

:wink:

Thu Mar 19, 2015 12:02 am Author: Michael Kalisperas

Well fantastic news for me my son has just released from hospital and is doing well after almost two weeks. So I will be going to sign and digital but spending most of the day at the BAR!!!!

Thu Mar 19, 2015 10:36 am Author: John Harding

Excellent Idea Michael

So thats All day at the bar

should be easy enough for everyone

John

Thu Mar 19, 2015 11:29 am Author: Michael Kalisperas

John Harding wrote:Excellent Idea Michael

So thats All day at the bar

should be easy enough for everyone

John

For sure!!! And I don't drink not for any religious or health issues but because I got married and have a leash :lol1:

Tue Mar 24, 2015 6:28 pm Author: David Hammond

Thursday is looking promising for me, might take the Mrs for an exciting day out too lol

Is there a meet up Thursday?

Tue Mar 24, 2015 6:54 pm Author: John Harding

Good hotel choice Ewan see you in the bar

Tue Mar 24, 2015 6:57 pm Author: Michael Kalisperas

Good seeing you James Sohota. I'll be flying by Thursday maybe even tomorrow no time to check everything so wouldn't mind another visit.

Tue Mar 24, 2015 6:59 pm Author: Ewan Chrystal

En route John should be there about half 7

Tue Mar 24, 2015 7:17 pm Author: John Harding

Splendid c u then

Wed Mar 25, 2015 11:42 am Author: John Harding

Ewan crystal is a bad lad

Wed Mar 25, 2015 12:00 pm Author: Ewan Chrystal

Big boys made me do it then ran away

Wed Mar 25, 2015 12:24 pm Author: Ivan Morley

Spent Tuesday visiting the Photography, Sign, Safety and Maintec shows.

The photography show was the busies whilst the Safety show was deserted.

I was overwhelmed by the size of some the equipment at the sign show, but at least there was still plenty of interest for me.

Wed Mar 25, 2015 3:15 pm Author: Jean Oakley

change of plan, last week three of us were going, didn't happen then monday it was two didn't happen, today i was just going to pop down didn't happen, no chance tomorrow, so another year too busy to attend, why can't they have it in December or January when at least it might be a little quieter. Miffed as i really wanted to go this year :banghead:

Wed Mar 25, 2015 6:23 pm Author: David Hammond

I'll be down tomorrow...

The world has imploded after Clarkson has been sacked and Zain has left 1D, so I think it's safe to take a day off.

Thu Mar 26, 2015 12:45 am Author: Michael Kalisperas

Problem solved.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFWp1rvA9cs

Thu Mar 26, 2015 12:49 am Author: Michael Kalisperas

I was impressed with Radecal stand!! Colorific and Roland collaboration makes me happy like tequila ;)

I brought some banner ups always eyelet my banners but the test the guy did was shocking how well a flat piece of plastic worked compared to eyelet. I may drop eyelets all together depends on cost.

Thu Mar 26, 2015 11:45 am Author: George Elsmore

Martin Cole wrote:Love it when a plan comes together... I need some bits off the Signwaves Stand so glad we are meeting there....1pm ..dont be late.

waited for ages and you never showed

Thu Mar 26, 2015 1:48 pm Author: Martin Cole

George Elsmore wrote:
Martin Cole wrote:Love it when a plan comes together... I need some bits off the Signwaves Stand so glad we are meeting there....1pm ..dont be late.

waited for ages and you never showed

I wont be long G. go and have a wee and grab yourself a sandwich....I'm on my way.

:wink:

Thu Mar 26, 2015 2:13 pm Author: David Hammond

i'm here where we meeting?

Thu Mar 26, 2015 2:31 pm Author: Martin Cole

David,

I was kidding with George, I couldn't AGAIN make it this year, they will have to switch to another time of year.

I have just spoken to John Harding so I know he is there now with a couple of others...

Thu Mar 26, 2015 2:33 pm Author: David Hammond

I'm just wandering about with the Mrs, so keep your eyes peeled for two strangers in SSP jackets, and run the other way lol!!!

Thu Mar 26, 2015 3:40 pm Author: Ewan Chrystal

Sorry missed you I left about 1. John Harding and Robert Lambie still there

Thu Mar 26, 2015 3:51 pm Author: John Harding

I'm out the door now great Time good show would like to have met up with a few more people but those I did was all good - Martin Cole next year baby

Thu Mar 26, 2015 6:57 pm Author: Chris Windebank

Sorry John, actually passed there this afternoon on the way back from a job further north but knackered. Defo next year!

Thu Mar 26, 2015 7:30 pm Author: John Harding

Nah it's alright we didn't miss you Chris

Fri Mar 27, 2015 9:09 am Author: Ewan Chrystal

Well I think I get the prize for longest journey home. Left the NEC at 1.30pm and got in the house at 10.30pm. Should have taken about 6 1/2 hours but thanks to motorway traffic then 5 miles from home was the bus crash that was on the news so had to take a 2 hour detour.
Was a good couple of days though (mostly). Had Good craic with John, Rob, Scott and the Paperlinx guys, to name but a few.

Mon Mar 30, 2015 2:32 pm Author: John Harding

Great to meet up Ewan another great signboarder

Sorry to hear your trials and tribulations but otherwise think you found it useful.

For my part I thought it was good, a better vibe recession over, not too much big machinery, a nice balance of stands, missed impact graphics presence although could have done with some better wrap demos etc.

I used to drive but now get the train its so easy and was in London covent garden by 6 to meet some friends for a beer or 5 before the last leg home.

Going for three days was good on a social and an event basis so I look forward to next year and doing it all again.

Rob Lambie Call me we need to fill in the blanks

John

Mon Mar 30, 2015 2:54 pm Author: Ewan Chrystal

John i think some of the blanks are best left as blanks lol

Mon Mar 30, 2015 6:41 pm Author: Gill Harrison

The spooky thing is with Rob wearing that camera thing he can fill in ALL the blanks with photographic evidence!!!!!! OMG I don't think that's such a good idea when I remember the state of us all at 2am on Wednesday morning!!!!! :shake:

Tue Mar 31, 2015 7:47 pm Author: David Rowland

was a good to catch up after an absence of a few years. john thomson and pauline, nigel, joe mcmanara, paul goodwin/mort, ink tech guy, james/harpz , Lorraine and Geoff, john harding and suppliers galore!

I know alan d was about as we parked next to his van lol

Tue Mar 31, 2015 8:10 pm Author: John Thomson

I have to say we thoroughly enjoyed our 3 days at the show as always.

It was great to catch up with people from here and suppliers alike

John