The FESPA Global Print Expo and European Sign Expo 2023 is scheduled for May 23 to 26 in Munich. This show is always an interesting one to look forward to. While it started as a screen printing show in 1961, it has evolved to include much more than that. Screen printing is still part of the show, but increasingly, it is a digital event. And beyond signs and display graphics, it has expanded to include textiles—for soft signage, interiors, and apparel—and other events like the annual global Wrap Masters competition, the only global series of wrapping competitions that connects and celebrates the best wrap installers in the world. Competitions occur in every major continent, and the winners of regional and national events qualifying and competing at the World Wrap Masters Final for the title of the global World Wrap Master. It’s quite interesting to watch, with the audience cheering on its favorites.

In a recent webinar, the event organizers provided a peek into what to expect in Munich. Some highlights from the past that won’t be there this year—at least physically—include Print. Make. Wear. and Printeriors. The former demonstrated print on demand for apparel, including direct to fabric and direct to garment. The latter featured printed fabric used on items like furniture and draperies, which could be viewed around parts of the show floor, and provided attractive sitting areas for those with weary feet!

Elements of printed interior décor will be on show throughout the exhibition, and an online hub will build on the application stories of the products displayed in Printeriors in recent years, including mini case studies detailing production methods, technologies and substrates used—a hybrid approach that looks to add significant value to the Printeriors portion of the event. This part of the program is being organized by FESPA Textile and Interior Décor Ambassador (and also WhatTheyThink contributor) Debbie McKeegan.

The organizers also pointed out that post-pandemic, events have started up again full force around the globe organized by this federation of 37 national associations. In addition to events, the organization takes care of its community; as an example, tents and temporary housing were donated to victims of Turkey’s horrific earthquake, as well as more than $25,000 raised to help these victims.

Also announced was the launch of FESPA Middle East, scheduled from January 29 to 31, 2024 in Dubai. Organizers pointed out that 45% of FESPA Direct members come from that region.

Print Census Underway

The organization is also working on Print Census; the last one was done in 2018 with Keypoint Intelligence. For 2023, there are already nearly 2,000 responses from 120 countries—more than was received in 2018. It is expected to deliver good insight with regard to market trends and how the industry has come out the other side from a COVID perspective. We’ll look forward to seeing that research published! Topline information will be available at the event in Munich, with a full report published later in the year.

New Perspectives in Munich

The tagline for FESPA Munich is New Perspectives, reflecting the increasingly progressive and creative specialty printing industry it represents. Michael Ryan, head of Global Business Development, commented, “This year we are encouraging visitors to look at things from a different angle and discover fresh approaches and avenues to growth. It’s an opportunity for attendees to exchange perspectives with their peers and to consider different viewpoints with respect to how to excel. We are also encouraging our community to contribute to a new social media video series under the hashtag #FESPAMyPerspectives, to share their own opinions on industry themes, vertical markets, and more.”

As of the time of the webinar, FESPA had more than 500 exhibitors confirmed. Platinum sponsors include Durst and Surfex Coverings; Gold sponsors include Brother, Mimaki, Hanglory, and HP; and Silver sponsors include Hybrid Software Group and NetLink Imaging.

One change is that this year there will be no in-person conference program. Instead, content will be hosted in an online hub to be launched on FESPA.com.

Sustainability Spotlight

At FESPA 2023, the Sustainability Spotlight will be a showcase of sustainable textile and graphic substrates, allowing visitors to touch and feel, with the exhibit providing details about the sustainable attributes of each.

New Event: Personalization Experience

There will be a conference program associated with the Personalization Experience, aiming to bring together retailers, consumer brand owners, creative and production agencies that support them, and of course printers and OEMs. As of the webinar, the conference program was still under development. Visit here for updates on this event, and you can also subscribe to a newsletter to keep up to date on developments.

Bigger and Better

FESPA 2023 is shaping up to be a terrific event, bigger than last year’s Berlin event, occupying four and a half halls. If you can’t attend in person, there is a plethora of online content available. But if you can attend, we encourage you to do so. Virtual meetings and online content is great, but nothing can really replace the value of the in-person experience, especially the networking and learning opportunities this event provides. Hope to see you there!