European Sign Expo (ExCeL London, 25-27 June 2013) has acquired Screenmedia Expo 2013, and will wholly integrate it within the June event. Screenmedia Expo 2013 will no longer take place as a standalone event at Earls Court in May 2013.

A new, dedicated event for signmakers and buyers/specifiers of signage, European Sign Expo offers an environment in which to explore innovations in architectural and informational signage mediums, including channel lettering, signage systems, and illuminated displays, alongside digital out-of-home media and signage. 

The three-day event is co-located with FESPA 2013, the leading global event for printed signage and graphics (ExCeL London, 25-29 June 2013) giving visitors to either FESPA 2013 or European Sign Expo automatic access to the neighbouring event free of charge. Together, the two events create a one-stop showcase of visual communications technology, applications and best-practice. Digital out-of home (DOOH) is increasingly complementary to printed graphics, and the two are being widely integrated in markets across the world to provide comprehensive marketing campaigns. Forward-looking print service providers (PSPs) who see the importance of offering broader solutions to their marketing clients can now visit European Sign Expo to obtain important insights into the technologies, business models and content driving digital screenmedia adoption.

Christian Duyckaerts, Managing Director of Retail Communicators and FESPA Board Member comments: “I am really pleased that FESPA is getting involved in the digital signage arena with the European Sign Expo event. At my company we see the opportunities to create new business and grow new markets within the retail sector using a blend of print, sign and LED technologies, along with digital out-of-home and social media solutions. The exhibition will be the perfect platform to source the latest information and innovations.”

Screenmedia Expo has committed exhibitors, including screenmedia practitioners, digital outdoor providers, interactive screenmedia providers, ATM and kiosk manufacturers, and mobile and social media providers and developers. Visitors to Screenmedia Expo are decision makers from global business and brands, leading agencies and blue chip technology companies, with responsibility for researching and buying digital ‘place-based’ technology and commissioning digital content. These important media specifiers will now benefit from free access to the co-located FESPA 2013, where they can see and learn about the latest developments in wide format printed graphics, and access case studies underlining print’s proven effectiveness within a multi-channel marketing mix. Special content programmes and inspirational exhibition features within FESPA will be available for this specific audience.

Mark Pigou, Managing Director, Screen Events Ltd comments: “This is a natural move for Screenmedia Expo, which puts the event at the heart of a much broader visual communications community. The delivery of information and content, whether promotional or practical, is increasingly multi-channel, blending analogue and digital to meet the needs of content owners and engage their audiences. By showcasing digital screenmedia side by side with innovations in other areas of signage and printed graphics, both elsewhere in European Sign Expo and at FESPA, our exhibitors can bring their offerings to the attention of a more diverse and indeed global visitor audience.”

The established Screenmedia Expo team will remain responsible for sales and exhibitor liaison for Screenmedia Expo exhibitors, reporting to the board of European Sign Expo, which is a joint venture between FESPA and the European Sign Federation.