Fespa Brings Business Back With First Live Events In Europe

Speciality print and signage communities kick-start recovery at FESPA Global Print Expo and European Sign Expo 2021 in Amsterdam.

FESPA kick-started the speciality print and signage business recovery at the return of the FESPA Global Print Expo and European Sign Expo 2021 in October after a gap of two years.

It was the first live FESPA event in Europe since Spring 2019. It attracted an audience of business leaders, who all came with whetted appetites to update their industry knowledge with a view to short- and medium-term investment.

 "Feedback from exhibitors was effusive, with many commenting on the upbeat mood among visitors, the unmatched value of face-to-face conversations with senior decision-makers, the enthusiasm for the new technologies and consumables on display, and the overriding sense of optimism for the future. The buzz in the halls was energising, and the impression was that delegates felt very confident and happy to be in a live event environment again after such a long time." So said Neil Felton, FESPA CEO.

Danna Drion, EMEA General Marketing Manager at FESPA Gold Sponsor Mimaki Europe, said, "We were thrilled to be back at FESPA Global Print Expo after such a long and difficult period. To finally be able to meet everyone in person was both exciting and reinvigorating. During the four days, the general atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive. We could see how the industry is not only alive but back to running at full speed, with all the players looking into new, innovative applications, as well as cutting-edge technologies. Not only did we exceed our targets, but we also welcomed high-profile, decision-making visitors, who came to plan their next investments and showed huge interest in our latest products."

The international audience made up of senior decision makers came from over 100 countries. There was a strong emphasis on the Benelux region and Germany, making up about 49% of the audience. Other countries represented were Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Poland.  The challenges for long-haul guests due to COVID-related restrictions resulted in fewer visitors from outside Europe than usual for a Global Print Expo event. In total, the events attracted 7,850 unique visitors, 42% of whom attended for more than one day, bringing total visits to 11,130.

Almost half of all visitors (44%) were owners or managing directors, reinforcing the event's significance as a springboard for business recovery and planning. In addition, two in three visitors were influencers who make purchasing decisions in their business.

54% of those who visited stated that they were visiting FESPA for the first time, indicating a desire for market knowledge, insight and inspiration following the commercial challenges of the pandemic.

Printeriors was once again a popular attraction. Inspired by nature and curated by FESPA's Textile Ambassador, Debbie McKeegan, it highlighted digitally printed applications targeted at printers operating in or looking to expand into interior décor. In collaboration with industry suppliers including Imageco, Kornit Digital, PONGS, swissQprint and TTS, the products displayed were produced using a series of high-end technologies, print processes and materials.

The European leg of the Wrap Masters competition was of great interest. As well as a series of demonstrations and workshops from wrap experts, visitors witnessed competitors battle it out for the title of "Wrap Master Europe 2021". On day four, Norman Brübach from Germany was crowned the winner and will compete against regional champions in the World Wrap Masters final at FESPA Global Print Expo 2022 in Berlin.

Members of the community who were unable to attend the event in person, FESPA, and exhibitors provided an array of live-streamed and virtual content. The FESPA Live sessions included conversations with crucial exhibitors, printers and print experts on the latest trends and innovations. These sessions attracted 5,125 views throughout the four-day event. To view, please use this link. recordings of the sessions

Neil Felton summed up. "The past two years have undoubtedly been challenging for everyone in our community. To move forward, printers and signmakers need to unearth new opportunities, explore the latest technologies and meet with peers to share ideas. This year's events were an important milestone in our collective recovery, and we hope that our next Global Print Expo and European Sign Expo, which will return to Messe Berlin, Germany, from 31 May – 3 June 2022, will finally put our whole global community back in motion."