The event attracted record visitor numbers of more than 7,500 after a successful first co-location with Sign & Digital UK at the NEC in Birmingham.
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With a total of 7,223 unique visitors attending the exhibition this marks a huge increase of 2,247 visitors on 2023 (2024 unique visitors: 7,223 vs. 2023 unique visitors: 4,976) to make record visitor numbers. With 352 visitors choosing to attend for more than one day, visitor numbers at the exhibition reached 7,575 compared to 5,167 in 2023.
First-time exhibitor, Gareth Gregson of Embroidery Machine Sales, said: “We can’t wait to come back really, it’s been really positive. We’ve had lots of new or potential customers that have come to visit us. It’s been really good for us. As we’re mainly internet based, it’s been good for people to come and see us. There’s nothing like that personal touch in business.”
While, veteran exhibitor Jas Purba of ETC Supplies, added: “As the last day came to an end, we reflected on the fantastic three days we’ve had. We reconnected with hundreds of existing partners, catching up on their projects, and we also met hundreds of new faces. Printwear & Promotion LIVE! has become the main event for companies in the embroidery, printing and garment industry and with over 100 stands on display it’s easy to see why. We can’t wait to follow up with the connections we made and we’re already looking forward to next year’s show.”
These record visitor numbers and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from exhibitors, has confirmed the value of the co-location in growing the show and the audience. In fact, over 80% of the visitors to SDUK took the time to visit P&P LIVE! during the three-day exhibition.
Event director, Tony Gardner, commented: “SDUK had struggled to recover since COVID-19, so we knew that this year’s exhibition, the 35th but first under Datateam’s ownership, was the start of the rebuild. The show undoubtedly needed re-energising and the new format made it feel like a re-launch. The success of the co-location has given us a real solid foundation to build upon for SDUK 2025, and in re-establishing the show as a central part of the calendar and an economic stimulus for the industry!
“Exhibitors reported that visitors were very keen to explore the technology, and many were ready to buy. Many deals were made on stands, with several announced on the Sunday – which is great news for everyone.”
He added: “We’ve been delighted by the positivity from many exhibitors with regard to the two shows working together. Companies in SDUK, say they have had lots of people come across from P&P LIVE! inspired by what they have seen and ready to talk about the equipment they need to get into these new markets. Over half of this year’s exhibitors reserved stands for 2025 at the show!”
Both Printwear & Promotion LIVE! and Sign & Digital UK return to the NEC in 2025. Next year’s co-location will take place from Sunday, February 23 to Tuesday, February 25, with P&P LIVE! in Hall 20 and SDUK in Hall 19. See you there!
