SILVERSTONE: Earlier this month, WrapFest 2024 concluded another successful event, energising the vehicle customisation and surface decoration industry once again. As the only event bringing together over 700 professionals in the vehicle wrapping and surface detailing sectors across 25 countries, WrapFest 2024 offered something for everyone with an eye on the industry.

It provided a unique platform for attendees to learn about the latest trends, products, and best practices with over two thirds of visitors noting new techniques and ideas to grow their businesses (71%). The event also offered a competitive edge, where wrappers from across Europe tested their skills against one another.
New products on display

Over the course of two days, visitors explored a diverse range of innovations, from vinyl and PPF (Paint Protection Film) to the latest tools and large format printing equipment from 30 exhibiting companies.

Among the highlights:
· William Smith debuted its Launchpad V WRAP PRO vehicle wrapping film, along with new ranges of 3M Di-NOC interior wrapping materials.
· 3M introduced a new Protection Wrap Film that combines vehicle personalisation with durability and protection. The film, which is designed to protect against rock chips, scratches, stains and the elements, offers a high-quality finish and customisable options.
· Avery Dennison, in partnership with renowned celebrity car designer Yiannimize, unveiled releasing four striking new shades as part of the Supreme Wrapping Film™ Yiannimize Series. These striking shades - red, grey, purple and pink – which Yianni Charalambous debuted on his Lamborghini Revoluto, which was wrapped in the eye-catching baby pink, on day one of WrapFest.
· APS and Fedrigioni jointly announced the groundbreaking Ultimate Wrapping Film (UWF). This innovative product boasts a stunning range of over 30 shades, with even more colours set to be released in 2025. Leveraging advanced digital technology, UWF combines a sleek, slide-on application with a premium gloss finish and exceptional conformability.
· Papergraphics highlighted its innovative Stock & Roll print room storage solution, offering a streamlined approach to organising and managing materials.
· Adapt reinforced its partnership with Pro Film while showcasing the recently launched 3M products.
· Grafityp unveiled its new Omega Skinz forged carbon fibre vinyl, adding a premium touch to vehicle wraps.
· PressOn Automotive expanded its offerings to include commercial printing services alongside its equipment sales, creating a one-stop shop for customers.
· Spandex Zeno made its first appearance at WrapFest, presenting its cutting-edge design rendering services for the first time.

Expert Advice and Hands-On Demos at WrapFest
A highly anticipated addition to WrapFest, the Business Surgery Clinic with Yianni Charalambous offered visitors personalised advice on business topics like marketing, expansion, customer acquisition, and pricing. Charalambous emphasised the importance of building expertise, maintaining long-term customer relationships, and addressing challenges such as streamlining workloads and improving lead generation.

Another new edition this year, was a dedicated Surface Decoration Showcase area which showcased a wide range of products for interior spaces, including furniture wraps, window films, wall coverings, and window tinting solutions. The area allowed visitors to participate in hands-on demonstrations and tutorials, learning to wrap round tabletops, doors, and other surfaces with expert guidance from Surfex.

Meanwhile, the Pit Demos, participants witnessed live demonstrations on PPF, vinyl application, and digital printing. WrapFest gave attendees a platform to enhance their learnings and build their skills through hands-on demonstrations and expert guidance from global brands. Leading industry trainers showcased the latest techniques, materials, and products, providing valuable insights and inspiration for industry professionals at over 70 live sessions.

The Pit Demos also served as a stage for showcasing new products and innovations in the vehicle wrapping industry, complementing the exhibition floor upstairs. Notable demonstrations included 3M showcasing its latest range of films, Metamark demonstrating its M-PPF® products, Grafityp installing both digital printing and coloured films, and Global Hi-Tech presenting a demonstration on PPF installation without software.

Commenting on the success of WrapFest, Reanne Suffy of Metamark said, “Our main reason for exhibiting was to raise awareness for our new products, and the first day exceeded our expectations with the best footfall we've seen! The hands-on demos were a hit—customers really love getting involved and trying things out for themselves. The atmosphere has been fantastic, with positive vibes all around; all our customers have shared positive feedback. It’s been a truly successful event for us!”

The Wrap Institute, the official Learnings Partner of WrapFest, also hosted a series of educational sessions and practical workshops for all attendees. Embodying its motto, “never stop learning” to master technical skills, it offered sessions on a variety of informative topics, including the ‘8-step cleaning protocol’ along with measuring tips, strategies for achieving zero stretch while wrapping with 70% less energy output, guidance on whether ‘to remove hardware or wrap around it’, and techniques for effectively wrapping mirrors on vehicles.

Inspiring Talks

Wrap Talks, the event’s dedicated educational programme, saw a collection of industry leaders and inspiring voices take to the stage to offer plentiful learning opportunities over the two days. Highlights included:

· ‘Engaging the Next Generation: Social Media Strategies and Insights for Attracting Young Talent’ featuring a panel of industry experts that discussed strategies to attract young talent. Lauren Brown, Customer Service Manager and Project Manager at Stylographics; Alex Pollard, Contracts Manager at RMC Digital Print; Isabel Shanahan, Project Coordinator at ImageCo; and Chris Edwards, Director of CVI Group, shared insights on leveraging social media, hosting open days and apprenticeships, and collaborating with associations to increase the attractiveness of the industry. They collectively spoke on the importance engaging social media content to appeal to those looking to join the wrapping industry.
· At ‘Women in Wrap’, Paige Walton, CEO and Founder of The Vehicle Wrapping Academy; Dani Jordan, Co-Founder of DTO Motorsport; and Alex Kaye, Co-Founder, E.C. Car Detailing, explored how to create a visually pleasing experience for customers, building strong teams, and maintaining open communication. Offering advice to women in the industry, the trio gave unique perspectives from the wider vehicle industry on fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, using open communication as a driver of this.
· The keynote session, ‘Q&A with Yiannimize’ touched on his recent successes with new projects, including the famous KSI luminous green wrap. Alongside this, he spoke on the importance of mentorship, self-discovery, and collaboration in career development for vehicle-wrapping businesses looking to grow.
· At an ‘Industry Leadership Panel’ on day two, Richard Clark, CEO of Racoon, and Andrew Willson, Managing Director of PressOn Automotive, discussed the crucial role of young people to bring innovation and the responsibility of those already in the industry to bring about this change. The experts emphasised the importance of continuous skill development, exceptional employee communications, and sustainable business practices in building a strong and successful reputation.
· ‘The Reality of Graphics Waste Recycling’ session shed light on the importance of having sustainability conversations. Suzi Ward, Managing Director of FESPA UK, and Jon Hutton, Sustainability Lead at FESPA UK, spoke on different materials and their potential for recovery and recycling. The pair also encouraged attendees to join the FESPA Waste Accreditation Scheme which since 2022 has offered a responsible, convenient, and circular way to manage graphic waste in the UK.

Celebrating Innovation and Talent

Attendees raised the bar this year with an eye-catching array of entries in the Show and Shine competition, held over both days at WrapFest. Visitors had the chance to cast their votes for the daily Public Winner using the dedicated show app. On day one, the Bluelight Graphics 'Rusty' Volkswagen Caddy stole the show, capturing the attention of all attendees. This unique vehicle, expertly deigned, printed and wrapped by the company specialising in livery design for emergency services, was a clear favourite.

Speaking on their Show and Shine win, Michael Haynes, Bluelight Graphics shared: “Winning the day one Show and Shine competition at WrapFest was an incredible experience. Our 'rusty' Volkswagen generated a lot of interest from fellow wrappers and people who were impressed by the design and the overall quality of the wrap. This win is incredibly inspiring and a huge accomplishment for our team.”

Day two brought another impressive winner: Shore Wraps and its BMW 3 Series. This eye-catching entry showcased the Scottish-based company's skill in livery design and vinyl application.

To conclude day one, the official Wrap Party took place at the Blackpit Brewery. This lively event provided a fantastic opportunity for industry professionals to network, enjoy food and drinks, and celebrate the success of the show.

World Wrap Masters sends a winner to Berlin

The World Wrap Masters (WMM) UK 2024 competition thrilled attendees with intense challenges, culminating in Chris Hooper of WRAPWORX LTD winning the crown and securing a spot in the global finals in Berlin in 2025. Hooper’s win was a testament to his skill and endurance, competing against some of the best in the industry.

The UK competition was hosted by MC, Ole Solskin and sponsored by HP (Headline Print Partner), Carlas (Colour Change and PPF Product Partner), Arlon (Printed Media Partner), WrapStock (Design Partner), Fiery (Software Partner) and Wrapgloves (Accessory Partner). The competition tested the skills and endurance of the participants, through a series of timed challenges, which included wrapping panels, bonnets and mystery objects (toolbox and water bottle). Participants used a selection of vinyl and PPF materials, and were scored by expert judges Kiss Lajos and Ivan Tenchev who used their expertise to evaluate the competitors work throughout the two-day event.

The finale on day two required contestants to wrap an entire side of a car using just one single sheet of vinyl in under 60 minutes, pushing them to their limits. The high-intensity competition was filled with excitement, pressure and fun, attracting an enthused crowd. Speaking on winning WWM United Kingdom 2024, Chris Hooper, said “It means a lot to have won the UK round! The competition gets better and better every year here, which made this year extra challenging for me. I am honoured to have competed against such talent and to have tested my skills and knowledge. I am looking forward to going to the World Wrap Masters Final in Berlin next year.”

Commenting on the second edition of WrapFest, Duncan MacOwan, Head of Events at FESPA, said: “It was brilliant to be back at WrapFest with the show once again hailing the vibrant wrapping community from all different corners of the globe. It was an unmissable showcase of innovation and creativity, with exhibitors unveiling cutting-edge products and industry experts connecting with new and old faces. WrapFest served as a premier gathering of our community and gave attendees a platform for networking, learning, and celebrating achievements."