The BSGA was out in full support of member company William Smith Group 1832 at its Beyond the Surface Open Day in Barnard Castle, where more than 130 visitors from across the sign and graphics trade gathered for a day of learning, networking, and live demonstrations.
The BSGA were invited to have a booth at the event and Chairman Craig Brown said he was “incredibly impressed” by what he saw. “The setup is superb, and the atmosphere is one of genuine engagement,” he said. “People were chatting, learning, and sharing ideas everywhere you looked.”
Craig described the event as a great example of how to bring the industry together. “They’ve had networking opportunities, training facilities, and formal sessions where people could sit in and have an educational experience. It was a really well-rounded approach.”
A strong turnout and stronger connections
Throughout the day, visitors packed into seminars, hands-on training areas, and live product demos. The variety of exhibitors and technologies on show reflected the breadth of today’s sign and graphics trade, from vehicle wrapping and window films to architectural applications.
“It’s great to see a trade supplier putting on an event like this that people want to support,” Craig said. “There’s a real mix of suppliers and disciplines, and that connectivity across vehicle graphics, architectural film, and window applications is what makes days like this so valuable.”
The value of engagement
Reflecting afterwards, Craig shared that the success of an open day depends on more than just filling a room. “People often assume it’s just about putting suppliers in a room and trooping visitors past them,” he said. “In truth, it has to be about total engagement, and that’s exactly what William Smith achieved.”
He praised the team’s attention to detail. “Simple touches, like having their staff on every stand, as well as walking the room and engaging with visitors and suppliers alike, made a huge difference. The quality of the products, demonstrations, and presentations made for a well-balanced and educational day.”
Supporting members across the industry
Craig also highlighted the importance of BSGA’s role in supporting events like these. “It’s always a two-way street. The BSGA exists to enhance and support the industry, but we can only do that if we’re out there engaging with the supply chain and with our members. William Smith has always been a strong supporter of the Association. It’s nice to be able to support them in return.”
He added that days like this help the Association stay close to its members’ needs. “Some people are surprised to learn we’ve been around for over a century, but that’s what makes events like this so important. They remind us that we’re all part of one community, facing similar challenges and opportunities.”
A shared commitment to collaboration
Craig summed up the day as a reminder of what makes the sign and graphics trade unique. “Joining the BSGA gives companies someone on their side, a third party with no vested interest other than to see them succeed,” he said. “Events like this show the strength, innovation, and collaboration that keep our industry moving forward.”