P&P EXHIBITION 2007

2007 proved to be a record year for the Printwear & Promotion exhibition, not only in terms of visitor and exhibitor numbers, but also in style and overall impact. Rebecca Green reports

Another year, another exhibition... except by all accounts, 2007 wasn't simply another year for the P&P exhibition – which saw record numbers of visitors flood through its doors over the three days – far from it in fact. For this year, in Hall 9 at the NEC, the exhibition really was bigger and better than ever before. With over 100 stands filling 8,300 square metres, there was more to see and more space for the exhibitors, some of whom were returning for 2007, to really go to town on their stands.

Visitor increase

Visitor numbers were up on last year, with the final visitor figure for the three days coming in at 4178, which is an increase of around 2% on 2006. This is especially encouraging given the downturn in exhibition attendance generally and cements the decision to continue with the Sunday opening, allowing representatives from smaller businesses to attend who otherwise wouldn't be able to spare a weekday out to visit.

This year’s stands were modern, sophisticated and vibrant, with some of the bigger names really raising the bar in terms of standards and effort. Bright, big and contemporary seemed to be the order of the day, with some clever design ideas making the stands inviting and welcoming to visitors. The general consensus was that the show looked and felt more impressive than ever.

Fashion shows

Back again this year, and as popular as ever were the fashion shows – three daily, displaying some of the best in promotional clothing, from sportswear and workwear to leisurewear and even underwear (which certainly raised a few cheers and whoops from the onlookers entering into the spirit of the show!). And when not in use for the shows, exhibitor Starworld made the most of its prime stage-side location to showcase its breakdancers - an upbeat addition to their stand.

Magic

But dancing wasn't the only form of entertainment during the three days. On the Blue Max/Stag stand, Lee the magician made a welcome return, complete with school hat and cane, and delighted and confused crowds with his array of magic and mind tricks. There was also a darts board challenge and caged tigers (no, not real ones), to name but a few of the attractions. And of course, that doesn’t even begin to mention the impressive display of the latest technology, machinery and systems – from screen printers to embroidery machines and digitizers, all working overtime to give visitors an insight into the workings of the industry.

Distributors and manufacturers all showed off their newest ranges and for many this was the first time some styles had been seen – the show being the ideal opportunity for the garments to speak for themselves, rather than having to leap out at customers from a catalogue.

Awards

Nestling in a quieter corner of the hall were the annual Printwear & Promotion awards, sponsored this year by Kustom Kit. Showcasing the best in screen print and embroidery, the awards drew a steady stream of visitors throughout the event. The judges were very impressed with the high standard of entries: full details of the winners and runners up, together with the judges’ comments follow in the next few pages.

Thanks

The exhibition team, in particular the organiser Richard Smith, would like to thank all exhibitors and visitors for making the event such a success and ensuring its return next year. Thanks also to Papini for supplying the fleeces and polo shirts for the team and registration staff; Kustom Kit for sponsoring the awards and offering to supply the garments to be decorated free of charge ; and Xpres for producing the award plaques.

As ever, thanks go to Jeannie Frith and the models for all their hard work in putting together the fashion shows, and to Propress for supplying one of its steamers to keep the clothes looking their best during the shows.

Next year’s exhibition takes place in the NEC’s Hall 9 from Sunday March 2 to Tuesday March 4