The flagship Fespa "screen + digital + textile" event is held every three years, usually in Germany, while the slimmed down digital version takes place in each of the two years between the main shows.

After holding Fespa 2010 and Fespa Digital 2011 in Munich and Hamburg respectively, the organisers decided to move the next flagship show to London, where it will be held from 25-28 June 2013.

In addition, due to the fact Drupa 2012 clashes with the usual May outing for the digital exhibition, Fespa has brought forward next year's event to 21-24 February and decided to hold it in southern Europe - in Barcelona, Spain.

Fespa will then end its three-year, self-imposed exile from its traditional German base to return for the Fespa Digital show, which will be held from 20-23 May 2014 in Munich.

"We're excited about returning to Munich three years from now," said Neil Felton, managing director of Exhibitions and Events. "It was a very successful host city for our main Fespa event in 2005 and 2010, the city has universal appeal, and the spacious and practical venue is popular with exhibitors and visitors alike."

Felton highlighted Fespa's strong German support base - in terms of both exhibitors and visitors - central European location, and the strength of the German economy as reasons for the decision.

"Fespa has always had a strong connection to Germany, with four record-breaking events in Munich, Berlin and Hamburg over the last seven years, and a loyal base of support from German printers, including hundreds of members of BVDM, our national association," he said.

"Southern Germany in particular delivers a strong visitor audience from throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other central European countries, as well as being accessible for printers from Benelux, Italy and UK, all of which are key markets for wide format.

"Those factors, combined with the stability and robustness of the German economy, point to this as a good choice for our next Digital show."

As with all Fespa events, surplus revenues from Fespa Digital 2014 will be reinvested in the wide format printer community through Fespa's programme of educational and knowledge-sharing projects, directly and through Fespa's national member associations.

Fespa calendar:

Fespa Asia 2011, 26-28 October 2011, Singapore
Fespa Global Summit, 17-18 November 2011, Barcelona, Spain
Fespa Digital 2012, 21-24 February 2012, Barcelona, Spain
Fespa 2013, 25-29 June 2013, London, UK
Fespa Digital 2014, 20-23 May 2014, Munich, Germany