According to provisional data, this year’s London show notched up 22,000 visitors – more than half of whom spent more than one day at the Excel, bringing total ‘visits’ to 37,460.

The number of "senior decision-makers" at the event was described as "unprecedented" by Fespa, with just over 71% having input into purchasing decisions and half of those having "ultimate purchasing responsibility".

Unsurprisingly, the largest single visitor group came from the UK, circa 8,500 delegates. However, with around 13,500 coming from outside the UK, including 3,300 from outside Europe, this year’s event was described as the most "globally diverse" in the show’s history.

Neil Felton, Fespa managing director, said he was especially pleased with the number of "long-haul attendees".

"The exhibitors I’ve spoken to have been absolutely delighted with the breadth of international visitors," he said.

Attendance figures from Australasia and North America alone were up 66% and 45% respectively on the last flagship Fespa in Munich in 2010. Visitors from sub-Saharan Africa also more than doubled on Munich, which Fespa said "reinforced the rationale" for launching Fespa Africa next year.

Felton also highlighted the popularity of the show’s educational content, which, along with an even greater focus on applications, is something he said he planned to build on for Fespa Digital in Munich next May.

"Both the main seminar theatres were 80% full on average at London, which was great. We can always improve, but I think we got the balance right and the feedback has been that our educational content is what makes us stand out," he said.

"We have an obligation to visitors to explore what print can really do for print service providers, buyers and creatives, and the best way to do that is through the show features and highlighting applications."