Q. The Printwear & Promotion Show is celebrating 21 great years in 2010. Tell us a little bit about how the show has evolved over the years and what's new for 2010?

A. I have been involved with the Printwear & Promotion exhibition since 1993 and although the basics of the event remain unchanged in being an event to bring all that’s best to the garment decoration market, fabric and machine technology, in particular, continue to bring the major changes to the visitor. Direct to garment printing has become more affordable and transfer technology offers a low cost, high quality and easy to apply decoration technique. Embroidery machines offer very high speeds and single head machines are probably more popular than ever now that they can easily be linked together to allow a business to expand.

Q. The show has always been popular, but tell us why it is a must-do on the business calendar for both visitors and exhibitors?

A. Printwear & Promotion continues to be the leading UK event in the garment decoration market, covering areas such as leisurewear, schoolwear, sportswear, the latest in embroidery, transfer and digital technology as well as ancillary products to every part of the market.

Q. Tell us about some of the big names who are at P&P this year?

A. In addition to many of the UK's leading garment manufacturers and distributors including UKL, BTC, Ralawise, Prestige, Result, United Brands of Scandinavia, Headwear, Pencarrie and Beechfield, we also have the major distributor/manufacturers on the machinery side – YES Ltd, GS UK, Stocks Sewing Machines, D Roper/M&R, Xpres and AJS Embroidery to name just some.  

Q. But it isn't all about the big brands, is it? Tell us about some of the smaller companies who will be there - and also, those who will be exhibiting for the first time.

A. Although we have many companies taking smaller size stands, I would not want the visitor to think that these are small companies. Printwear & Promotion has enjoyed regular support from companies such as Teamwear, Kwik Tapes, Pressmech, Majestic Towels, Golden Finishes and many others. Although their stands may not be among the largest, it is usually because their products do not require vast amounts of display space. There will be a number of new exhibitors at the event which include The Marketing Worx, Crazy Bags, Transfer Supplies Ltd, GK Marketing showing the Anatol range of screen print machines and also iGEM with an exciting new laser/embroidery machine. 

Q. The fashion shows are always hugely popular. What can we see this year?

A. As you say, the professionally choreographed fashion shows are always very popular. Unfortunately I don’t get a preview of the garments that will be on the stage. I will therefore be among the visitors to learn all that is new to the garment side of the industry. It's an opportunity for many of the brands to showcase what's new in their 2010 catalogues.

Q. With the co-location of the International Promota Show in Hall 12 at the NEC, the Printwear & Promotion Show has a new dimension this year. How will that benefit visitors and exhibitors?

A. The co-location with Promota offers the visitor far more products on the promotional gift side of this industry than has previously been available at Printwear & Promotion. Visitors to these events should note that although Printwear & Promotion opens on Sunday, February 28 to Tuesday, March 2, Promota will only be open on Monday and Tuesday, March 1 and 2. Visitors must register for each show.

Q. Tell us a little about the footfall? Is it correct to say that visitor numbers increase every year?

A. Over the last seven years, footfall has increased year on year reaching a record 4292 in 2009.

Q. Is there anything special about the way the show is laid out this year?

A. The major layout change is created by the co-location with Promota operating through shared facilities in the Hall 12 entrance foyer.

Q. And what about the seminar programme?

A. Since we introduced the seminar programme some three years ago, it quickly became clear that the best attended presentations were those that were information rich and helped delegates to take their businesses forward. This requirement is now reflected in the re-naming of the area as the Knowledge Transfer Suite.

Q. How long have you been organising the exhibition, and what memories do you have of previous shows?

A. My first show was in 1993 and as for memories, it is always hard work, extremely interesting and great fun and a tremendous anti-climax when it is all over.

Q. The show always has a great buzz about it and it's a real opportunity to interact with potential customers. What feedback did you get from exhibitors and visitors last year?

A. The event's success is borne out by the fact that exhibitors return year after year.  This only happens if their attendance is successful.

Q. The P&P show seems to have something for everyone, doesn't it?

A. It is the only UK event where the visitor will see all that is best in their industry and now with the added benefit of the International Promota Show co-location.

Q. Finally, how do people book a stand or register for the show?

A. There is some stand space still available. For further information potential exhibitors can call me on 01622 699172 or email on rsmith@datateam.co.uk.

Visitors can pre register for fast track access by visiting the Printwear & promotion website at www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk and clicking onto the “Register for P&P Live” button on the right hand side.

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