Sign and Digital UK debate line-up announced

In keeping with this year’s theme ‘Creativity Brought to Life’, the main seminar theatre at Sign and Digital UK will host three industry panel debates this year, and double as a TV studio and base for the organiser to film the demos, workshops and on-stand action during the show (24-26 April, NEC).

Tuesday 24 April’s debate is ‘Bringing the Modern Workspace to Life’ and will include players from the world of interiors and workspace design, including agencies Align and Interaction. Roland DG UK will look at the ways graphics, printed textiles, signage and wayfinding can be used to best effect. On Wednesday 25 April, speakers from Spandex, Hybrid Services/Mimaki, the BPIF, Allen Signs, Signs Express and Epson will form a panel debating the future for the wide-format market. The debate on Thursday 26 April will be chaired by David Catanach, director of the British Sign and Graphics Association, and is entitled ‘Running a Successful Business in the Sign and Graphics Market’. The panel will comprise executives from Signbox, Hexis, Blackman and White, Signarama, and DMA Signs. The theatre kicks off its content programme on the opening day with a keynote from celebrity retail and business champion Mary Portas, who will be interviewed on the main stage and then answer questions from the audience before visiting stands and demos. Event director, Rudi Blackett said: “We’re delighted to offer our 2018 visitors a wider range of learning and advice than ever before, with an exciting line-up of experts to deliver the education programme in the main stage theatre. This is addition to the three new Live Demo areas covering textile printing, décor and wrapping, and the new look Adobe and Corel theatres and Signmakers workshop. “This year’s show sees new content for our core sign, print and finishing and display markets, as well as the design and creative, textile print, event build and interior décor sectors. Our engaging programme will highlight the growing opportunity in these areas.”