During a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the entrance to Messe Munich this morning (14 May), chief executive Neil Felton highlighted the 700 exhibitors, of which circa 100 were appearing for the first time, who would be showcasing the latest advances in techniques and technology for wide-format digital and screen printing.

In his welcome speech, Fespa president Christian Duyckaerts told a crowd of show attendees about his excitement in his capacity as the managing director of Belgian visual communications company Retail Communications.

“As a printer myself I am very excited to walk around and see all the new techniques that Fespa is showing,” he said. “We have the technology on show and also all of the ideas that can give us an impression of where we are as an industry.

“It is very exciting what you can do now with digital and screen print – just think about personalisation and interior decoration, for example.”

One of the 2019 show’s main focuses under its 'Explosion of Possibilities' theme will be on the fashion textiles market through its Print Make Wear stand, which has been increased in size following a successful reception at the 2018 in Berlin.

Fespa has also expanded its Printeriors showcase, which will provide a tactile 'lounge experience' with both interior and exterior decorations including signage, chairs, beanbags deck chairs and umbrella canopies across the entrance of the conference centre.

The show will run at Messe Munich until Friday, 17 May, this week.