Reflecting worldwide trends in printing, this year’s Fespa global expo enjoyed an increase of 17 per cent on show visits over its five-day duration in Germany.
The show welcomed attracted 23137 individual visitors, with the majority electing to stay at the show for more than one day, resulting in the highest ever revisit rate for any Fespa event, recording 43775 visits.
Neil Felton, chief executive at Fespa, says, “This was the most colourful, most comprehensive Fespa event we have ever delivered, and printers from all over the world touched down in Cologne, ready to discover their universe of print. This record attendance is an unmistakable signal of the renewed energy, optimism and engagement of our global community of suppliers and service providers.
“The fact that so many visitors committed more than a day to the show reflects the vast spectrum of innovative products and applications that were there to be explored, and cements Fespa’s reputation as the most comprehensive global event for wide format and speciality print.”
The show hosted more than 750 exhibitors under four event brands: Fespa 2015 Screen for digital, and textile printing; Fespa Fabric for garment, printing, and decoration; European Sign Expo for non-printed signage; and Printeriors forprinted interior décor.
Fespa continues to grow, reflecting the trend in wide format printing
Visitors also had access to an educational hub; sign hub; wrap cup masters vehicle wrapping area; 3d and industrial print showcases; a gallery of Fespa awards entries; and Printeriors conference featuring speakers from the interior design and architectural communities.
The expo increased its emphasis on textile applications including soft signage, interior décor applications, and garment printing. Felton addsm “Each Fespa exhibition is a reflection of the inventiveness and vitality that runs through the veins of our community, and the 2015 show floor was buzzing with imagination and opportunity. What’s clear from these five days in Cologne is that the word print barely does justice to the diverse and imaginative technologies, products and concepts that now come together under one roof at Fespa.”
A strike by Deutsche Bahn employees affected national train services in Germany on days three and four of the show. Fespa organisers responded by providing free shuttle bus services from Cologne, Bonn, and Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt airports.
