William Smith invites visitors to Learn, Connect and Lead at its Open Day event on Thursday 16th October in Barnard Castle
William Smith Group has announced it is holding its first Open Day for six years, with the theme ‘Beyond the Surface’. The event will take place at the company’s headquarters in Barnard Castle on Thursday 16thOctober from 9.30am to 4pm.

Open to professionals in the sign, print and wrapping industries, the event will feature demonstrations, training and expert advice on a huge range of applications, from vehicle and architectural wrapping through to chevron kits and traffic signage. Representatives from the William Smith team and its manufacturer partners will be available throughout the day. Booking is required via Eventbrite.
Under this year’s theme, ‘Beyond the Surface’, visitors will explore a series of dedicated product zones, covering vehicle wraps, architectural films, window solutions, reflective safety materials, training through the William Smith Academy, and the company’s own manufactured products, including the VION range. The day is designed to provide hands-on experiences and exclusive insights, all in one place.
A key part of the day will be a supplier exhibition with live demonstrations from leading brands, including 3M, Avery Dennison, Arlon, Contra Vision, Cover Styl’, Wizard Pro Tools, and ROLLSROLLER, alongside a dedicated stand for VION, William Smith’s own brand of film.
There will be practical masterclass workshops giving attendees the chance to work with premium films and tools under expert guidance. These sessions are designed to complement the Open Day’s seminar programme, which has proved extremely popular at past events. Building on this success, the seminar line-up has been expanded for 2025 to cover a broader range of topics, from market trends and product innovation to practical business growth strategies. Together, the seminars and workshops will offer both theoretical insights and hands-on skill building, giving visitors the chance to put ideas into practice.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the William Smith factory to see its extensive manufacturing and logistics operations. Across the day, there will be plenty of opportunities to network with refreshments available throughout.
The day will conclude with a casino night at Barnard Castle Cricket Club, featuring games such as roulette and blackjack. It’s a chance to unwind after a busy programme, socialise with peers, and continue conversations in a relaxed setting.
Lindsay Hutchinson, Head of Marketing at William Smith Group 1832, said: “The Open Day is all about bringing the industry together. Whether you’re here to test the latest wrap films, hear about new trends in architectural design, or connect with other professionals, you’ll walk away with something valuable. It’s a chance to see products in action, speak directly with suppliers, and get inspired for the year ahead.”
She added, “Visitors will come away with practical skills, useful insights, and a stronger understanding of the products and technologies driving the industry forward. The day also offers a valuable chance to speak directly with suppliers, ask questions, and get advice focused on their specific requirements and projects.”

Secure your free place today via Eventbrite or find out more details by emailing kelly@williamsmith.co.uk
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