Partner Committee meets in Istanbul to agree investment focus

FESPA Eurasia's Partner Committee met on Thursday 14 November in Istanbul, with 23 delegates congregating to discuss the forthcoming FESPA Eurasia 2014 and FESPA's commitment to the Eurasia region.

Members of FESPA, ARED and nine manufacturers and distributors from across the region came together in the vibrant city of Istanbul. During the Partner Committee, which was chaired by Birol Fedai, Owner of Sistem Printing Company, FESPA reiterated its Profit for Purpose approach by allocating 100,000 Turkish Lira for investment in Eurasia. Committee members assigned 50,000 to support activities across the region raising awareness about the capabilities of wide format print, educating both printers and print buyers. The remainder will be invested in a graphic arts and sign school in Turkey to help inspire the next generation of printers.

FESPA has also confirmed that it will spend a further 20,000 Turkish Lira for research into the region as part of the FESPA Global Census. This global research initiative will provide FESPA and the industry with deeper insights into the needs of the print community. The Eurasia regional data will help FESPA and the Partner Committee to develop the reinvestment programme, as well as the FESPA Eurasia show to specifically meet the needs of regional printers.

Michael Ryan, Group Exhibition Manager, FESPA Eurasia, comments: "Our Profit for Purpose mission is to support and give back to our global print community. The next generation of printers have the creativity and fresh ideas that will be hugely beneficial to the future of Eurasia's print market. With this investment we hope to inspire the decision makers of the future, providing them with the knowledge to move the industry forward."

Selçuk Aygüler, Pimms, who attended the Partner Committee, comments: "Education is a very important issue in Turkey. Wide format printing machines have developed a lot in recent years, and operators need to develop with these advances to ensure they get the most out of them. It is great to welcome FESPA here and that they have taken the decision to invest in the Eurasia market."

Nurten Ergün, BTC, comments: "I have been in the industry for 25 years but have never seen an exhibition organiser reinvest its profit in the sector. I am thankful for FESPA's Profit for Purpose approach, and to be part of this Committee to help the industry."

FESPA will work alongside its Turkish association ARED and local distributors to invest and work closely with local printers and educational establishments to drive these investments forward. For more information on FESPA Eurasia 2014, please visit: www.fespaeurasia.com