European Sign Expo set to take place alongside FESPA 2014

European Sign Expo will take place for the second time at the Messe Munich, Germany, between 20th and 23rd May 2014, alongside the FESPA Digital 2014 event. 

The only dedicated event for this market in Europe, European Sign Expo offers signmakers and signage buyers a focused environment in which to explore innovations in non-printed signage, from channel lettering, LED and neon signage, through dimensional signage, engraving and etching, to digital signage. Visitors can expect to discover the latest developments in equipment, software, signage materials, signage systems, fittings and fixtures.

Visitors can maximise their time at the event by taking part in the tailored conference sessions available in the Sign Showcase theatre, as well as experiencing live demonstrations and networking opportunities at the Sign Bubble feature area. European Sign Federation (ESF) will again support FESPA with the development of the content programme, maximising its value for the signage buying and producing community. The event will also play host to the ESF Awards.

European Sign Expo 2014 will occupy 2,603m2 in Hall A2 of Messe München, alongside FESPA Digital, Europe’s largest focused event for the digital wide format print industry. This co-location makes European Sign Expo a natural extension of the FESPA event, adding further value for sign-makers and visual communications professionals considering a visit to the market-leading digital print exhibition.

FESPA Divisional Director Roz McGuinness, who is steering the development of European Sign Expo 2014 comments: “In its second year, European Sign Expo 2014 will once again set out to deliver a focused event which gives signmakers - and those who are responsible for buying and specifying signage - valuable insights into the full spectrum of analogue and digital possibilities.”

“The combination of European Sign Expo alongside the printed signage and graphics elements of FESPA Digital, makes the twin events a must-see for European signmakers, while for corporates and their branding agencies, retailers, hospitality & leisure brands, and venue managers whose remit includes branding and signage, the events will deliver inspirational ideas and practical insights into how to create and install high impact signage that is effective, practical and safe.”

The dedicated event website at www.europeansignexpo.com features an image of a deep sea diver, surrounded by luminous marine life, symbolic of the brilliant attention-grabbing qualities of illuminated signage.

The strapline, ‘Immerse Yourself in Signage’ has clear parallels with the ‘Dive Deeper’ campaign for FESPA Digital 2014, reflecting the close integration of the two events. The underlying message for visitors to both shows is the same: there is an ocean of fascinating opportunities to be explored.

With clear signposting for the visitor, European Sign Expo will be seamlessly connected with FESPA Digital, optimising audience flow between the two events, and encouraging visitors to either event to explore the exhibits and content programme of the other.

Roz elaborates: “Having launched European Sign Expo last year in London, we have taken on board the feedback from exhibitors and visitors to the first show. The closer physical integration of European Sign Expo with FESPA Digital responds to the preference for less delineation between them. One event is very much a natural extension of the other, so while they retain separate brands and represent distinct visitor and exhibitor communities, the layout will actively encourage more movement between the two. Exhibition guides, trails, catalogues, navigational signage and so on will also be integrated so that visitors arriving for one event can clearly see what the other has to offer.”

European Sign Expo 2013 in London attracted 4,330 visitors, with 38% travelling from countries across Europe and two thirds also attending the co-located FESPA 2013 exhibition. Final business decision-makers made up 39% of the total unique visitor audience, with a third of visitors planning to invest at the show or within six months.

Exhibitors already committed to European Sign Expo 2014 include Badgetech GmbH; BroadSign International; Caralux; Chiplite-Majert; Fischer Licht & Metall; HK Zhi Hui Advertising; Hanen Neon; Kristal Etiket Tekstil; Menden Buchstaben; Mouse-PS; Primex; Promoself; Rosen Lichtwerbung and Sloan LED; Union Telecom.