Fespa UK Association and project management software company Vism have released details of the inaugural UK Graphic Awards and Thrive in Print conference. Originally slated for 8 and 9 September, the awards/conference combination will now run on Tuesday 15 September 2020 at Oulton Hall in Leeds.
The theme of the awards is ‘Be Bold’ and the12 awards categories have been designed to showcase the best in creativity and impact of projects across a number of sectors. They include awards for projects of any shape or size within live events and exhibitions, retail graphics, roll outs, experiential, interiors, and museums/galleries. An overall award will be given for best in show.
There are also categories for company initiatives and developments including sustainability and the environment, innovation, rising star, wide-format printer of the year (large company), wide-format printer of the year (small company).
Vism managing director Dan Tyler, instigator of the project, said: “Every day we see first hand that ours is a hugely creative industry and we want to celebrate the talent, people and companies that make it what it is. The UK Graphic Awards will showcase some of the most exciting and innovative projects out there.”
He added: “The Thrive in Print conference will focus on helping owners and senior managers of wide format print and graphics providers to improve their bottom line profitability through new business strategies, marketing opportunities and new technologies. We want the attendees to be inspired to create ever more innovative installations and to also take away and implement some fantastic practical ideas to start making real changes to benefit their business.”
HP, Installation Squad and Swanline Paper and Board have all been confirmed as sponsors for the daytime conference.
Ross Griffin, director at Swanline, said: “We just had to get involved with this as soon as we heard about its inception - the categories for the awards encompassing innovation, sustainability and the environment that are at the heart of SPB’s ethos seemed like the perfect fit. This coupled with the backing of such an established and trusted trade body as Fespa UK that is only going from strength to strength and the need for our industry to have a new and fresh awards made it a must-do to sponsor. The brilliant idea to also incorporate a conference ultimately gave it a point of difference and value for money. I believe this event will be a big hit with the industry and offer a new and fresh model.”
The awards will be free to enter and will open in late January.