After a two-year gap, Fespa has staged its Global Print Expo and European Sign Expo 2021.
The first live Fespa events in Europe since Spring 2019 attracted a strong audience dominated by business leaders. Neil Felton, chief executive at Fespa, says, “Feedback from exhibitors was effusive. Many commented on the upbeat mood among visitors and the unmatched value of face-to-face conversations with senior decision-makers.
“Also, we saw the enthusiasm for the new technologies and consumables with a sense of optimism for the future. Delegates felt confident and happy to be in a live event environment again after such a long time.”
Local support
Visitors came from more than 100 countries. Europe counted for most of the visitors with the challenges for many long-haul travellers taking them out of the show. The events attracted 7,850 visitors, 42 per cent of whom attended for more than one day. Around 44 per cent were owners or managing directors with around 66 per cent influencing or making final purchasing decisions in their business. First timers counted for 54 per cent of the visitors.
Danna Drion, EMEA general marketing manager at Fespa Gold Sponsor Mimaki Europe welcomed Fespa and its Global Print Expo. She says, “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 felt 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. All the players looked into new applications and technologies. Not only did we exceed our targets, but we also welcomed high-profile, decision-making visitors. They came to plan their next investments and showed huge interest in our latest products.”
Event highlights included Printeriors and the Wrap Masters competition.
Felton adds, “The past two years have undoubtedly been challenging for everyone in our community. To move forward, printers and sign makers 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. We hope our next Global Print Expo and European Sign Expo will put our whole global community back in motion.”
Fespa Global Print Expo returns to Messe Berlin, Germany, running from May 31 to June 3, 2022.
