Four events combine to deliver the biggest FESPA show ever

FESPA 2015 Global Expo opens today as the biggest FESPA show ever. This week, from Monday 18 to Friday 22 May 2015, 1000s of international visitors will descend on the city of Cologne, Germany, to see a plethora of technology from over 700 exhibitors across screen, digital and textile wide format print and signage.

FESPA 2015 Global Expo incorporates four events under one roof: FESPA 2015 addressing screen, textile and digital wide format printing, FESPA Fabric for garment printing and decoration, European Sign Expo for non-printed signage and visual communication solutions and Printeriors, a new interior décor showcase and conference. Together, these events mean there is more innovation and content for visitors to engage with than ever before.

The FESPA universe of print includes seven planets for visitors to explore.

Planet Screen (Hall 8)
When the first FESPA exhibition opened 50+ years ago it was purely a screen printing show, and screen remains a significant part of FESPA 2015, with a growing focus on industrial screen print applications.

Planet Digital (Halls 6,7,9)
FESPA has championed digital printing since its emergence in the market, and the demand from the market is still growing. Whether visitors are looking to implement digital with analogue or wanting to take their first steps, visitors to FESPA 2015 will be able to meet with leading manufacturers showcasing the latest technologies and applications.

Planet Fabric (Hall 8)
Textile printing and garment decoration enthusiasts will find everything to do with garment decoration at FESPA Fabric 2015. Signified by the pink planet, this year's FESPA Fabric is 45% larger than FESPA Fabric 2013 in London, showcasing the largest constellation of garment decoration opportunities of any FESPA event to date. Hands-on garment decoration workshops are also taking place throughout the show.

Planet Sign (Hall 7)
FESPA's satellite event, European Sign Expo, returns to FESPA 2015 Global Expo. The sign exhibition, which is 50% bigger this year than when it launched in 2013, provides signmakers and signage buyers a focused environment to explore new horizons in non-printed signage. European Sign Expo also has its own content area, the Sign Hub, which features dedicated seminars on both digital and traditional signage as well as the connect bar for networking.

Planet Printeriors (Hall 9)
New to FESPA's 'solar system' is Printeriors, a showcase event celebrating print for interior design. This application focused event targets both print service providers and interior designers to illustrate the creative possibilities when using print for interiors. Printeriors is presented through a series of room sets designed by industry suppliers and/or their customers, in which visitors will see a diverse range of interiors, from an aircraft cockpit to a gin bar.

Printeriors includes a one-day conference on Thursday 21 May which will cover applications, techniques, case studies, equipment, materials and trends providing detailed insight into the printed interiors market.

For the full conference line-up visit: http://printeriors.net/printeriors-conference-programme.html

Planet 3D (Hall 8)
FESPA has partnered with non-profit 3D industry initiative, 3DION, to bring the 2D and 3D printing industries together at FESPA 2015, in the 3D Print Showcase. The feature promises to stretch the imagination of anyone interested in this fast growing phenomenon, with live scanning and printing demonstrations as well as regular presentations, enabling visitors to explore the business opportunities of adding 3D to an established print service offering.

Planet Industrial (Hall 8)
The introduction of the Industrial Print Showcase, in partnership with ESMA, makes it easy for visitors to find relevant industrial applications in one dedicated space. The showcase features exhibits sourced from across the manufacturer community, supported by hosted 'lunch and learn' sessions, offering visitors the chance to hear from opinion leaders in the field of industrial printing.

FESPA's planets of discovery are all supported by free educational content at the Education Hub. Throughout the week, over 100 seminars will take place in the hub (Hall 8), providing visitors with industry relevant information from experts across screen, digital, fabric, interiors, industrial and 3D printing.

The full conference schedule can be seen here: http://2015.fespa.com/en/whats-on/full-seminar-schedule.html

Visitors with an interest in vehicle wrapping should check out the Wrap Hub which plays host to the World Wrap Masters, the leading competition for wrapping enthusiasts. The event will see up to 36 individuals from around the world compete to win the prestigious title of World Wrap Master. Visitors will also be able to try their hands at car wrapping car doors against the clock.

Visual communications professionals looking for inspiration should take a look at the work of the FESPA Awards' finalists in the Boulevard, alongside the exhibition halls. The winners of the Awards will be announced at FESPA's Gala Celebration Dinner on Tuesday 19 May at Flora Köln.

Roz McGuinness, Divisional Director, FESPA comments: "FESPA 2015 is the biggest Global Expo to date and we have more than ever for visitors to explore here in Cologne. Whether printers are expanding their existing business offering, or looking to diversify into niche areas, knowledge and guidance is essential. FESPA's role is to provide this community with opportunities to review all the innovations available, and there are literally hundreds here. We're also delivering high-quality educational content and networking to ensure that printers and signmakers leave FESPA with the confidence to grow and expand their business.

"The additions of our new 'planets' including Printeriors, 3D Print Showcase and Industrial Print Showcase provide visitors with the tools and ideas for new avenues of diversification. We're sure that a couple of days at FESPA 2015 will give printers and signmakers all the impetus they need to explore new directions and profit opportunities."

For more information about FESPA 2015 visit: www.fespa2015.com