There were a lot of positives to take from this year's Sign and Digital UK: sizeable attendance, strong reported sales and a host of products making their first appearances at the show. After having reported for three days from the show floor, we have compiled our highlights – and lowlights – of this year's exhibition.
Best stand – Sign + Digital
We're willing to put a bet on there being one stand at SDUK that everyone remembers – the Sign + Digital Creative Cruiser. This multi-coloured van is equipped for everything, complete with a car bonnet on-stand for expert vehicle wrapping demonstrations. Don't forget the celebs positioned in the front seats!
On the Christmas list – Lightbar
Using the 'C' word in early May is never a great idea; however we really think that the Lightbar from Colorific warrants it. The system eliminates the need for outgassing solvent inks, which would give us more time to drink tea and poke fun at our deputy editor – both vital to the productivity of the Output office.
Most innovative new product – Printable flooring from SuperWide and Soyang
In the left hand corner of the hall as you came in there was some neat, aesthetically pleasing flooring from Soyang, with graphics were printed onto the back by SuperWide, and then overprinted with white to make the display pop. This means that not only is it resilient to wear and tear, but it is also visually stunning. The partnership also supplied the rather elaborate flooring that greeted visitors upon arrival at the hall.
The Magpie award – Digifoil
Using a Mimaki UJF-3042, i-Sub has added a heated applicator which lowers production costs for foiled products compared to traditional methods – and yet the system costs no more than a standard model. What's not to like? The end result is rather stunning as well, with a foil effect that really does stand out.
Niftyness award – Dorotape's PowerTab
Most reasonable people would think that metal is stronger than plastic – and often you would be correct. The PowerTab turns this wisdom on its head: the nifty tabs can be used for mounting graphics, can be printed on or see through, and are demonstrably stronger than grommets. We even have a Vine to prove it!
Best show freebie – Multipanel UK
Journalists like wine, so a freebie which allows us to hold everything we need – including a bottle and two glasses – is likely to be a winner. Made with perspex, it is durable and lightweight, so perfect for storage when not in use.
Best show feature – Signmakers' Workshop
Normally, a group standing round a Citr?en Berlingo means that a vehicle has been 'twocked' [ed: taken without consent, stolen] and is now burning out. However, Paul Hughes's expert knowledge of vehicle livery, vinyl application and signboard making drew crowds for all the right reasons.
The 'I didn’t see that one coming' award – Bling Solutions
With stand decorations that even Dappy from N-Dubz would be envious of, Bling Solutions were certainly the unexpected find of Sign and Digital. We hope you had a diamond of a show.
Most blatant sexism – über
We were really hoping that we wouldn't have to give this award out this time around. Sadly, some companies still haven't clocked that having four young women in skintight suits with 'bum branding' just doesn't have a place at this type of show. A special mention also goes out to OKIand Spectron LED, who also failed to remember that women are, in fact, humans, and not simply decoration for their various stands.