By Craig Brown, Chairman, British Sign and Graphics Association
Two days at the Spandex UK Summit in Leeds have wrapped up and, yet again, I am reminded why gatherings like this are so important for our industry. You walk in expecting a catch up and a look at a few new materials, and you leave having learned something you did not know before. Every day really is a school day.
A growing event with real purpose
This year’s Summit was the third in the series, following successful outings in Glasgow and at Spandex’s Bristol headquarters. You can see how much the event has grown. Leeds brought together signmakers, wrappers, fitters, print shops and suppliers from across the country, all keen to explore what is new and what is coming next.
Spandex had created a proper showcase. There were demonstrations of new hardware from Roland and Epson, hands-on zones, architectural and automotive materials to explore, and live wrap demonstrations from installers working with 3M, Avery Dennison, Arlon, ORAFOL and KPMF films. Sustainability was front and centre again, with Carbon Quota and the team from FESPA UK sharing insights on how our sector can adopt better, cleaner and more transparent production practices.
Visitors could walk through the full breadth of solutions from leading brands including ImagePerfect, Berger Textiles, Sign Systems and Vivid Laminators. There was even an F1 simulator, which added a bit of light relief and competition alongside the more technical demos.
Energy, conversation and a bit of healthy competition
Day one had a steady flow of people, each bringing their own questions and curiosity. Day two brought sunshine and even more visitors. What struck me most was how ready people were to talk. The conversations were genuine and useful. You could sense that people had made the effort to attend and wanted to get the most out of it.
I happened to be sitting near the speed-weeding challenge, which was as entertaining as ever. Watching experienced signmakers come back for multiple attempts, determined to beat their own time, reminded me that our industry thrives on skill, precision and a good sense of humour.
Credit to Darren Penny and the Spandex team for the warm welcome and for organising an event that felt inclusive, purposeful and well supported.
Are roadshows worth it?
I hear this question often. Exhibiting is not cheap. Three days away from the office for a two-day show, hotel stays, fuel and the cost of your stand add up quickly. Then look around the balcony at the number of suppliers who have made the same investment. It gives you a sense of the commitment required to bring an event like this to life.
Visitors take time out too. Owners, installers, designers and production teams step away from busy workshops because they believe it is worth it. That deserves respect.
My own decision-making process is simple.
- Is the event relevant to my business?
- What is on show?
- Will I learn something new or deepen my understanding of products that matter to our sector?
If the answer is yes, I stick it in the diary and I turn up. Circumstances can change, of course, but we all know someone who cancels on everything. Do not be that friend.
Feedback helps the whole industry
If you attend, take the extra minute to give honest feedback. What worked well? What would you change? What else would you like to see? Events only improve when people engage. Suppliers will continue to invest when they feel that involvement from the industry. We need each other. That is a fact.
As Spandex closes its final event of 2025, it is worth acknowledging everyone who took part. The Leeds Summit reinforced the value of coming together to share ideas, look at new technology and talk openly about the challenges and opportunities ahead for the sign and graphics community.
Thanks again to the team at Spandex UK and to all the suppliers and visitors who helped make the event such a success.