Numbers for the 2019 show were confirmed at 20,780 individual visitors from 137 countries across the four days from 14-17 May. Attendees from Germany made up 25% of the total number, with high representation shared by Italy and Austria.

Before the figure was confirmed, Fespa told PrintWeek that this year’s visitor figures were “in line” with the 2018 edition in Berlin, which reported 20,442 individual visitors.

Exhibitions director Roz Guarnori said: “The number of visitors filing through the turnstiles at the show was indicative of its popularity. Booths were full and people were interested in how to seamlessly integrate tech across different substrates, equipment and applications.

“We had hundreds of visitors and feedback was that they have sold more and had more enquiries than ever.

“It shows that our decision to go to an annual cycle was absolutely a correct one. The screen, digital and textile communities have all been fully supportive and we have seen an explosion of possibilities at Munich as vendors and exhibitors keep coming back to Fespa to use it as their launchpads.”

Fespa’s post-show report indicates that digital print machinery was the most popular area of interest, referenced by 41% of visitors. Digital print consumables followed shortly behind at 31% of visitors.

The show will move to Madrid, Spain, next year at the earlier dates of 24-27 March with a new co-located show dedicated to the sportswear manufacturing sector, Sportswear Pro.