PG Live and The Imaging Centre look to expand latest innovation
Lots of happy new cardies are set to hit PG Live 2023 thanks to the brand-new Springboard Intro sector, which is being sponsored by The Imaging Centre.
The innovative move marks the digital print specialist’s 10th anniversary of its sponsorship of Springboard at the UK’s only dedicated greeting card trade show – which runs over 6-7 June at London’s Business Design Centre – giving first-time exhibitors an easy way to debut at the event at just £440+VAT for a table.
And both The Imaging Centre and show organisers Max Publishing are delighted by the immediate uptake, less than 10 days since Springboard Intro was launched.
“The take-up so far has more than exceeded our expectations.” The Imaging Centre md Adam Short told PG Buzz. “We’re absolutely thrilled with the early interest, with over 75% of the stands in the initial Springboard Intro booked within a few days of the announcement by some incredibly talented creatives.”
In addition to Springboard Intro, there’s an attractive bonus of £100 credit at the printer for all 2023 exhibitors in the main Springboard area who are publishers using The Imaging Centre’s IC Simplicity service.
This £100 will be applied to the exhibiting publishers’ respective IC Simplicity account on day one of the show, 6 June, and can be used for any orders placed during the show or afterwards. The credit can also be used as part-payment for any larger order placed on the IC Simplicity portal. Springboard exhibitors who currently do not use IC Simplicity can receive the bonus if they sign up for the system.
Adam added: “Having listened to our customers and worked closely with the PG team to ensure PG Live is inclusive of publishers of all sizes we were quietly confident that the Springboard bonus for IC Simplicity customers and new Springboard Intro area would be popular.
“The take up has been so positive that we now have plans to extend the Intro area to meet the demand – PG Live 2023 is all set to be a very exciting show!”
Describing his own picture as “some grey-haired old codger who looks at me every morning in the shaving mirror” Richard Dunford will be one of the newbies at the 2023 show with Richard’s Gallery.
He said: “The opportunity to show my art cards to the industry at Springboard Intro is as exciting as it is nerve-racking. So many questions, a ton of ideas and a job list a mile long – maybe it’s time for another coffee!”
Lisa Bamford is “sooooo excited” to be taking part as she’s been selling her Stoats And Weasels cards for a few years: “I love the idea of my cards raising a smile nationwide so I’m excited to have the opportunity to show my designs to a new and wider audience. It will be my first trade show so I’m ready for all the feedback too, and looking forward to meeting the other Springboard Intro designers.”
Arrthi’s Studio founder Arrthi Little booked her spot in Springboard Intro as soon as she heard about it: “It’s the perfect space that fits my needs as a first-time exhibitor. With the added support from The Imaging Centre and the fantastic greeting card community, it’s hard not to be excited!”
And Rusty Cards owner Elizabeth Donaldson added: “I’m very much looking forward to taking part in this fantastic opportunity to showcase my designs with the support of the inaugural Springboard Intro area and the introduction from IC Simplicity.”
For Twenty Birds’ Monica Gabb, the best things about the offer are the size and price. She explained: “I personally feel the standard shells are quite daunting for a new exhibitor, especially as I run the business alone. I’m looking forward to planning my tabletop in a creative way to showcase my collection at its best.
“The package is really supportive of small businesses starting out, making it an affordable first experience of a live trade fair. I want the PG Live gang and The Imaging Centre team to know what a difference this will make for those starting out.
“I’m so pleased that I have signed up and will get to exhibit in Springboard Intro in this prime London venue. I’m really hoping this is the springboard to get my designs out on to the shelves.”
And Nicole Elders, founder of Caligart By Nicole, added: “I’m thrilled to be bringing my card designs to PG Live 2023. Springboard Intro is a fantastic showcase for young designers like myself. It’s something I’ve thought about and ummed and ahhed about for a while – making it as finalist for the 2022 Lynn Tait award at The Henries has given me the push I needed to really go for it now!”
The Imaging Centre’s new business manager Simon Davis said: “With the great following, foundation and credentials that PG Live has, I’m not surprised by the Springboard Intro uptake so far from our customers.
“With The Imaging Centre and PG Live working to the same goals, we want to bring as many publishers as possible together with retailers – and feel so proud to be able to offer a discounted package for all publishers on IC Simplicity Publisher a chance to be part of PG Live for next year.”
Anyone wanting to know more should contact PG Live’s Tracey Arnaud on traceya@max-publishing.co.uk or ring her on 07957 212062.
