The successful Sign Africa Durban expo attracted hundreds of industry professionals from KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding areas. The event, which was held at the Durban International Convention Centre on 7 and 8 February, showcased cutting-edge technology, such as: all aspects of wide format digital printing, garment decoration, screen printing and signage. The Sign Africa expos are sponsored by Roland.
Exhibitor highlights included:
New UV ink from Sign-Tronic was launched and demonstrated on the swissQprint Nyala 2. The ink is used to print on untreated natural fabrics as well as standard fabrics with no post-treatment required.
Graphix Supply World’s Durban debut of the Mimaki UCJV 300-160, which features four-layer printing and offers an enhanced print capability that allows designers to build layered, transformative graphics for backlit applications. The integrated cut functionality enables volume production of labels, decals, window clings, floor graphics, POP displays, vehicle markings, packaging, prototypes and more in a single unit.
Graficomp exhibited the HP Latex L110 printer, which is ideal for print-preneur customers seeking easy, affordable entry into large format printing to jump-start a new printing business.
Roland showcased a range of solutions to accommodate the many different requirements in the signage and graphics industry.
Exhibitors had positive feedback about the event:
Graphix Supply World managing director Robert Franco described both days of the expo as an absolute success with lots of sales, attributing this to the company responding to its customers’ requirements.
Aziza Mahomed, Kemtek Imaging Systems business development manager, Epson, said that the expo went well, and that the company acquired very good leads and feedback.
Anja Botha, Fujifilm sales and marketing coordinator, said that visitors at the stand knew what they were looking for, with a big focus on solutions that are eco-friendly and can handle many applications. She added that the quality of the visitors was good.
Pieter Klenyhans, technician at Trotec, said the company received some good leads.
Anzel Koopman, sales executive at EngravCut Automatic Machinery, described the show as very good with lots of interest form visitors.
MacQuip & Screenwise managing director Chris Mack reported positive feedback, stating that the quality of visitors was very positive, and that the company had made more sales than the previous year.
Andre Venter, Kolok Graphic Supplies large format supplies division, reported a good turnout with lots of relevant customers with serious interest.
Judges visited each stand at the expo and judged the stands according to criteria based on design, staff friendliness and professionalism. The stand winners and runners up included:
Mega stand winner
Sign-Tronic
Large floor space:
Winner: Roland
Runner-up: Graphix Supply World/Mimaki
Medium floor space:
Winner: Speed Wrap
Runner-up: SA Argus
Medium shell scheme
Winner: Fujifilm
Small floor space
Winner: Macquip
Runner-up: Engravcut
Small shell
Winner: JG Electronics
Runner-up: Chemosol
Upcoming Africa Print Expos include:
Cape Town: 14-15 March, Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Bloemfontein: 10 May, Ilanga Estate.
Zambia: 6-7 June, Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
Johannesburg: 12-14 September, Gallagher Convention Centre.
SIGN AFRICA +27114501650 dyelan@practicalpublishing.co.za www.signafricaexpo.com
