The show returns to the NEC in Birmingham from 19 to 21 April and this year’s Business Theatre will play host to an extensive programme of free seminars each day, providing insight for visitors on the latest industry trends and growth opportunities.

New for 2016, the Business Theatre will feature a series of in depth case studies, looking at interior wall décor (Tuesday 19 April), as well as wayfinding and directional signage on Thursday 21 April. 

The ‘Exploring interior wall décor’ seminar will examine best practice approaches to working with the customer and the ‘Innovation in wayfinding and directional signage’ seminar will use case studies from projects such as the Exchange Quay, Salford, Kent and Medway NHS and Grand Central Shopping center in Birmingham to explore signage design and how wayfinding works in practice.

The BSGA will return to update visitors on the standards and regulations surrounding sign design and construction, as well as a session on the sign maker’s obligations under planning law.

A new seminar for 2016, ‘A skilled workforce for the signmaking industry’ will demonstrate the benefits of investing in apprenticeship training and the new apprenticeship standards for England. It will provide details on costs, courses, funding and the benefits of a trained work force to businesses and the industry at large. It will be presented on behalf of the BSGA by Ian Lockhart of Cogent Skills, the Sector Skill Council for the sign industry dealing directly with the Department for Education.

Other seminar topics include the ‘Do’s and don’ts of colour management’ from Jan Edgecombe and Giles Bristow at Antalis; ‘Looking after your wide format eco-solvent printer’ presented by Mike Kryvoblocki, technical trainer for Roland DG, and ‘Understanding Franchising’ from Craig Brown of Signs Express.

Hewlett-Packard will run seminars on their ‘Wall Art Suite’ presented by Rana Raychoudhury and Dave Williamson from GE Lighting – LED Speciality, will be exposing the myths of illuminating signs with LEDs. Visitors can also hear from Nick Kirby, managing director of Swanline Print, who will discuss how businesses can capitalise on a changing digital market.

Rudi Blackett, event director for Sign & Digital UK said, ‘We are delighted to unveil the exciting range of seminars featured in this year’s Business Theatre. Always a hugely popular show feature, these sessions are for anyone looking for inspiration and practical advice on how to expand and improve their services for the year ahead.’