Visitors to European Sign Expo, co-located with FESPA Digital (Munich, 20-23 May 2014), can take their pick from 30 educational sessions in the Sign Hub, a dedicated visitor feature hosting expert-led educational seminars and workshops, and facilitating face-to-face networking for visitors.

Over the first three days of the show, the Sign Hub will host experienced presenters selected from suppliers, signmakers, research bodies and technology experts.

One of the most pertinent topics for many signmakers is digital signage and the integration of digital with conventional signage, which will be covered by several speakers including Daniel Parisien and Stephanie Gutnik from digital signage provider Broadsign.

Tim Greene of industry research body Infotrends will look at the signage landscape, considering the hype around digital signage as a substitute for conventional signage and graphics, and looking at the two in the real market context.

Further insight into market trends for signage will be delivered by Sean Smyth of Smithers Pira who will share market forecasts, consider changing production methods, look at developments in display functionality, and examine the complex interplay of factors influencing consumer decisions, and their implications for signmakers and graphics specialists.

Professor Mariana Yordanova from Mediabiose, Munich promises a fascinating presentation addressing the Sustainable Integration of Communication Technologies into Urban Spaces.

Industry commentators Herman Hartman and Ton Rombout of SignPro Benelux and SignPro Europe will explore potential opportunities for signmakers in industrial print applications, while Roland Hill of Contravision will touch on the important area of intellectual property and copyright regulations for signmakers and printers.

Agency head Daniel Stanitzek will help visitors to understand the potential impact of augmented reality on the consumer experience at the point of sale. The impact of signage on the consumer will also be at the heart of ‘Good Signs Mean Good Business’, a presentation from Hungarian signage and graphics specialists BéFLEX.

Industry consultants Laurel Brunner and Sophie Matthews Paul will also get technical in their sessions entitled respectively Sign Workflows and Sign Tech Time. A discussion of standards will be led by David Catanach and Heiner Dippel of the British Sign & Graphics Association and the German Sign Association.

Full details of the Sign Hub programme at European Sign Expo can be found at http://www.fespa.com/digital/euro-sign-expo/features/feature-hubs.html.

European Sign Expo is co-located with FESPA Digital 2014, allowing visitors to move freely and without charge between the two events and benefit from the exhibits and free educational programmes of both.

FESPA Digital features three Hubs focused on Digital, Fabric and Wrap, all of which offer ample inspiration for signmakers looking to diversify into potentially lucrative areas such as printed graphics, soft signage, vehicle graphics or vinyl wrapping for commercial applications.

More information on the FESPA Digital hub programmes is available at http://www.fespa.com/digital/features/features.html.

Roz McGuinness, Divisional Director at FESPA with responsibility for European Sign Expo comments, “Today’s signmakers are faced with many significant business decisions. Signage is evolving, with digital signage undoubtedly making inroads in some segments, and other profitable business areas opening up. Sign specialists, with their innate understanding of graphics and visual impact, matched with complex installation and maintenance skills, have powerful opportunities to branch out into other areas of visual communication, commercial décor and retail experience. The combination of European Sign Expo and FESPA Digital, and the many sources of knowledge and inspiration across both shows, will immerse them in the opportunities and help to propel them forwards.”