FESPA Brasil welcomed 13,184 visitors through the doors of Expo Center Norte in Sao Paulo from 13-16 March. The inaugural show exceeded expected unique visitor figures with senior decision makers making up 50% of the total visitor attendance.

The success of the show (co-located with ExpoPrint Digital) is underlined by the extent of exhibitor re-bookings, with over 40 companies - including leading international manufacturers - having already reserved stand space for FESPA Brasil in 2015 allocating 70% of the existing floor plan.

Exhibitors around the show were enthusiastic about FESPA's first Brazilian event. Global Technology Partner, Xaar, were thrilled about the event with Edsel Lonza, Sales Manager Latin America commenting: "FESPA Brasil attracted serious buyers and senior decision makers interested in the latest digital wide format developments. It provided a perfect forum to host the Xaar-sponsored 'New Business Opportunities in Digital Printing' seminar, attracting over 100 delegates keen to learn all about inkjet."

Evelin Wanke, Product Manager, Epson Brazil: "FESPA Brasil was very busy as soon as the doors opened! It is not unusual for the first day of an exhibition to be slow and gradually increase in visitor numbers throughout the duration of the show; however the visitor attendance has been great."

FESPA Managing Director Neil Felton says, "FESPA Brasil has been an exceptional launch, surpassing all our expectations in terms of visitor numbers for a launch show. The feedback we're receiving from exhibitors in terms of stand sales and business leads has been incredible. The show kicked off a spectacular showcase of print and provides us with clear evidence that FESPA can expand into new geographical markets already served by established events and - with a unique content-led approach - deliver something that adds value and attracts visitors in high numbers and calibre."

Working in partnership with APS Feiras & Eventos, FESPA Brasil was strongly supported by the Brazilian screen printing, digital wide format and textile printing community. The FESPA features and quality content created specifically for this audience proved extremely popular, particularly the International Congress which offered visitors a range of technical sessions, creative ideas and business solutions.

Ricardo Vieira Pi Martin, Commercial Manager, Océ: "We presented in the International Congress at FESPA Brasil as well as exhibiting at the show. Through these we have reached a targeted, high calibre audience of decision makers interested in buying equipment. The quality of visitors is essential to the success of any show and FESPA Brasil exceeded all our expectations."

Other highlights at the show included demonstrations from Charlie Taublieb who was inundated with over 450 visitors. Charlie showcased practical garment decoration techniques including screen printing, spraying effects and adding embellishments.

FESPA's high octane vehicle wrapping competition Wrap Cup Masters Series, sponsored by 3M, was characteristically the crowd magnet. The Brazilian winner Jefferson Pimenta from company Pimenta's Adesivos, will now be preparing to head to London for FESPA 2013 in June this year to compete with his global counterparts from Europe, the US and Mexico for the chance to be crowned global champion. The area was also transformed into a learning zone on the final day of the show, highlights included presentations and practical demonstration of best practice vehicle graphic installations.

Fujifilm's Application Village, based on a children's library was a celebration of innovative visual and decorative print application.  Built completely from Hexacomb substrate inclusive of floor, walls, furniture, toy car - in addition to supporting a digital screen - the library highlighted the possibilities available with print when used creatively. The area has now been donated to Livroteca Brincante do Pina, a local charity who work with underprivileged children.

Neil Felton continues: "Our ambition for the inaugural FESPA Brasil - as with all FESPA international shows - was to inspire printers by presenting them with creative ideas, opportunities, latest global trends and practical tools to help build their business. Testament to the success of our first show has been the fact that the majority of exhibitors signed up for FESPA Brasil 2015 before they packed up their stand on the final day! We look forward to planning the next show in March 2015, building on our launch success and going beyond the market's expectations from FESPA in 2015."