As preliminary work begins on next year's Madrid show, Fespa has revealed more details on the educational content of next month’s Munich expo, which will take place from 14-17 May.
The seminar programme at the Trend Theatre has now been confirmed, with a keynote speech on Thursday 16 May from BMW Group head of additive manufacturing Dominik Rietzel about the future of 3D printing.
This year’s event will also feature daily panel discussions on a wide range of subjects including working for a living in print, interior decoration, automation, and creating a future for print companies. The panel sessions will be chaired by Sonja Angerer who owns Munich digital print operation Rrrabbitproductions.
Fespa exhibitions director Roz Guarnori said: “We’ve heard lots about diversification and the next generation of the industry out in the marketplace and we’ll be covering these through a variety of talks in the trend theatre.
“Industrial print, digital textile, digital corrugated are just a few of the industry trends that will be covered in the theatre. We also have our Print Make Wear theatre and tours for those looking to see demonstrations of fast fashion production.
“Munich is once again proving a popular destination for visitors, with a show footprint larger than Berlin. We expect a busy four days next month.”
Meanwhile, with the doors at Munich 2019 yet to open, Fespa has already revealed some early details of next year’s show.
Set for 24-27 March at Fiera de Madrid, Spain, next year, Fespa 2020 is being billed as the place 'Where Colour Comes Alive', with newly unveiled branding intended to signify the diversity of possibilities from the screen, digital and textile zones of the event.
The 2020 show, brought forward to avoid clashing with Drupa in June, launched its website late last month to give a full year for exhibitors to attain the information and resources they need to take part.
“Fespa Global Print Expo provides the opportunity to see the advances in colour capabilities in print applications under one roof,” said Guarnori.
“With more and more diversification within each print segment leading the advances in technology developments to match and exceed customer expectations, the show will provide the perfect platform to bring colour to life for the community who experience print both from a consumer and supplier perspective.
“Madrid has the sixth busiest airport in Europe, connecting internationally as well as across Europe, and the city was voted for in significant numbers by our visitors and exhibitors. And with four Fespa Associations in the region, the decision has been very welcomed.”
Separately, Fespa has cancelled its China expo, which was scheduled to take place in Guangzhou on 8-10 November. Launched in January this year, the event was withdrawn due to “challenges arising with the venue and co-located event", which Fespa said it was "unable to resolve to its satisfaction”.
Fespa hasn't ruled out a return to mainland China in the future.
