A FESPA press webinar was hosted on Tuesday 28 March, ahead of the upcoming FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience 2023.
The webinar was presented by Michael Ryan, FESPA’s Head of Global Print Expo, who provided updates on events, the exhibitor line-up and the feature programme. He was joined by FESPA’s CEO, Neil Felton who provided an overview of FESPA’s Corporate activities, the global event portfolio and plans beyond 2023. Duncan MacOwan, FESPA’s Head of Marketing Events shared further information on the brand-new Personalisation Experience exhibition space and conference programme.
During the webinar Association Activities were covered, including mention of ARED, a FESPA member that organises a donation campaign for the earthquake zone that took place in Turkey and affected ten provinces. ARED is sending cold-resistant tents and containers to the earthquake zone.
Corporate updates included mention of FESPA’s online platforms for global access to inspirational and educational content; covering trends, challenges and opportunities in specialty print and sharing best practice examples; and expanding with new sustainability and printerior hubs.
In terms of the FESPA Print Census, 1778 entries from 120 countries were received, with input from members of all its global associations. A topline summary of results will be available at events in Munich and a full report published later this year.
Wrap Fest Silverstone is an all-new event taking place from 26-27 April at Silverstone racing circuit UK with 50 suppliers confirmed, as well as an educational conference and hands-on training sessions, as well as over 80 live wrapping demonstrations.
FLEX (FESPA Leadership Exchange) is a new EMEA exclusive networking event which was hosted in Dubai from 1-2 March, and welcomed 25 of the leading print businesses in the Middle East to facilitate inter-regional knowledge exchange. The key outcome was feedback on the need for a FESPA event to serve this region.
Also announced was the launch of FESPA Middle East next year. There is a strong appetite for a content-led FESPA event in the Middle East, and the first edition of this brand new annual FESPA event will take place 29-31 January 2024 and will be hosted at the Dubai Exhibition Centre. Over 100 exhibitors are expected and will include a Wrap Masters, a conference programme and a Club FESPA networking area.
FESPA Global Print Expo and European Sign Expo 2023 falls under the theme of new perspectives, encapsulating how, in our constantly evolving specialty print industry, the possibilities are endless, encouraging visitors to look at things from a different angle, to discover fresh approaches and avenues of growth, and to exchange perspectives on the industry with peers to gain different viewpoints.
A new social media video series will be launching – #FESPAMyPerspectives – to encourage the community to share their own opinions on industry themes, vertical markets etc.
Also highlighted was the Sustainability Spotlight, a comprehensive showcase of innovative sustainable textile and graphic substrates. Each substrate will be available to touch and feel and will feature an information card detailing the sustainable attributes of each material.
The FESPA Awards is back for the first time since 2019, and over 210 entries from 34 countries have been received. Shortlisted entries will be showcased in the Atrium in the West Entrance of Messe Munich at FESPA Global Print Expo. Winners will be announced on 24 May.
In terms of World Wrap Masters, the European leg of the competition will take place 23-24 May, with the series final 25-26 May, which will involve wrapping cars as well as surprise objects, and hosting a programme of wrapping workshops and demonstrations, alongside the Wrap Institute.
The new virtual Printeriors microsite is to be hosted on FESPA.com. The online hub will build on the applicaiton stories of the products displayed in Printeriors in recent years, with a central hub for educational and inspirational content on interior decor opportunities. Elements of printed interior decor will be on show throughout the exhibition, such as the Club FESPA member networking area.
The FESPA Party Night will be hosted at Pacha in Munich on 25 May, and is an opportunity to network with community outside exhibition.
Also outlined was The Personalisation Experience, a brand-new event from FESPA and three day conference programme and exhibition space designed for brand owners, retailers, marketers, agencies and membership and loyalty organisations, demonstrating how brands can differentiate their offering with personalisation and customisation, and focusing on print, packaging, interior decor and sportswear/fashion and loyalty marketing.
The organisers anticipate an audience of senior decision makers from all around the world. In years gone by that’s been over 120 different nationalities represented, and many from Africa.
For the first time since 2019, FESPA Africa will return to Johannesburg alongside its co-located events, Sign Africa, Africa Print and the Modern Marketing Expo. Hosted in conjunction with FESPA Partner, Practical Publishing, the exhibition will open from 13–15 September 2023 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, connecting visitors with over 150 exhibitors.
FESPA AFRICA
www.fespaafrica.com
