Category: The innovation blog

The sky’s the limit

Mar 14, 2011 |

The sky’s the limit

There is a massive, largely tapped, global market for wide-format technology: airplane graphics. Traditionally, airlines have painted their jets but a few years ago, New Zealand Air carried graphics on its plane promoting the Lord Of The Rings movies. Now, more airlines are using their planes to make a statement. The US airline Southwest has decorated one of its Boeing 737s so that it looks as if passengers are flying in Shamu, the killer whale at Sea World. Other Southwest’s Boeing 737s has been styled so they look like flying flags for the states of Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. The graphics for Air New Zealand weren’t printed directly onto the plane but onto a special material developed by 3M and approved by the Federal Aviation Authority.

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Time to write that book

Mar 14, 2011 |

Time to write that bookEvery printer can sell its services with a Powerpoint, while a select few have slick iPad apps showcasing their wares but Oxford publisher Infinite Ideas (www.infideas.com) suggests that if you really want...

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How to test a good idea

Mar 14, 2011 |

How to test a good ideaIt’s a common problem: someone in your company has a new idea, but because it’s new you have no idea if it will work. Scott Anthony, managing director of a company called Innosight Ventures, has helpfully...

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Blame and shame

Mar 14, 2011 |

Blame and shameFew things are quite as enthralling in business as reading about other people’s mistakes. There’s the cheap, vicarious enjoyment of another company’s misfortune and stupidity but there is also, if we’re thoughtful...

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Some words from the future

Mar 14, 2011 |

Some words from the futureTim Greene of consultants Infotrends predicts that “in 2011, we’ll see a UV-curable metallic inkjet ink that could be applied to either wide-format printing or packaging” and that the aqueous durable...

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21 February to 23 February 2027
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Printwear & Promotion LIVE! is the UK's leading exhibition for the garment and promotional product decoration industry.

The 2026 event saw more than 120 exhibitors showcase the very latest bits of garment decoration equipment and blank garments to thousands of visitors.

Key players from across the marketplace, including Gildan, Roland DG, Fruit of the Loom, Resolute, UPM Metamark, and Stahls’ UK, have already signed up to exhibit.

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National Conference Centre, Birmingham

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The Sign Industry Awards, presented by Sign Update, celebrate excellence in the visual communications sector by honouring past achievements, present innovations, and future advancements. These awards recognise outstanding suppliers, sign makers, and individual traders in sign making, digital printing, and visual communications.

6 April to 9 April 2027
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Messe Munich, Germany

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FESPA Global Print Expo is Europe’s leading exhibition for screen, digital and wide-format printing, textile printing, and signage.

Discover the latest technology, materials, and applications across print, personalisation and signage. You’ll experience live demonstrations, get hands-on with the latest tech and get your business ahead making new connections at networking events. It’s the perfect chance to explore how print is evolving. Co-located with the European Sign Expo, WrapFest and Textile it features product launches, live demonstrations, expert talks, and competitions like World Wrap Masters. With a strong focus on business growth, automation, and investment-ready buyers, the expo is an essential platform for professionals seeking the latest print solutions and industry trends.

Whether you’re a print service provider, a brand owner, or a creative professional, see the future of print coming to life at FESPA 2027. Secure your place at the heart of print innovation.