It attracts all the big-name manufacturers from around the globe and plenty of smaller startups and developers in the sector.

This year the event is being hosted under the tag line ‘Where Visionaries Meet’, reflecting the high level of technological innovation which is evident across all areas of the wide-format segment, and which is resulting in new processes and new applications all the time.

“This year’s message shines the spotlight on our futuristic and forward-thinking Fespa community,” says Michael Ryan, who heads up the Global Print Expo (GPE) operation. “It also highlights that our events serve as a meeting point for these ‘visionaries’, empowering them to discover new opportunities and make impactful decisions for the future of their business.”

At the last count there were more than 500 exhibitors signed up and organisers are expecting to easily exceed last year’s unique visitor numbers, which, in a Drupa year, totalled almost 13,000. Fespa estimates the total potential spend from attendees at the 2024 GPE was around €2.7bn (£2.3bn)

Co-located with the GPE are two complementary events: European Sign Expo and the Personalisation Experience.

European Sign Expo is a well-established element of the Fespa GPE and showcases the latest developments shaping the signage and visual communication sector. The Personalisation Experience, first introduced in 2023, is intended to highlight the potential of the personalisation capabilities of digital printing technology. It features an exhibition space open to all Fespa visitors and is targeted at brand owners, retailers, marketers, agencies, and membership and loyalty organisations seeking to enhance or differentiate their offering with personalisation and customisation. Visitors can expect to see a comprehensive showcase of products and solutions for personalisation.

Fespa has previously hosted three events in Berlin, most recently in 2022, and feedback from that event reaffirmed that Messe Berlin is a popular venue for both exhibitors and visitors alike. The city is easily accessible from all major European and international cities. The newest airport, Berlin Brandenburg, is located just 30 minutes from the Messe Berlin and offers flights to European metropolitan and leisure locations as well as a number of intercontinental destinations.

Of the host city, Ryan says: “We’re delighted to be back in Berlin, a vibrant and creative destination, which, given its history, is ideal for hosting Fespa and its co-located events. Eight halls full of inspiration and innovation await professionals from the speciality print market, where they can discover a plethora of on demand technologies for specialist print applications.”

Thought leadership

For this year’s show, Fespa named Keypoint Intelligence as its thought leadership partner and has tasked it with delivering key research and strategic insights to help attendees make informed decisions on the latest developments in wide-format and textile printing kit, production software and other key areas.

This will include areas such as the use of AI and automated workflows in streamlining production, enhancing efficiency, and driving profitability; and the continued shift from analogue to digital technologies.

Ryan comments: “This partnership with Keypoint Intelligence allows us to enhance our thought leadership capabilities, ensuring that our global community, members of the specialty print and signage sectors, can gain deeper insights into the key forces shaping the future of print.

“AI, automation, digital transformation, sustainability and workforce challenges are all major drivers of change, and through this collaboration, we aim to support businesses in making informed, strategic decisions.”

Keypoint’s president and CEO of Intelligence, Anthony Sci, adds: “By leveraging our market data, independent analysis, and consulting expertise, we empower businesses with the knowledge to make informed decisions and stay competitive.”

Show features

Fespa is to introduce some new features for this year’s edition. Located within Personalisation Experience (Hall 5.2, Stand A55), SmartHub will comprise an exhibition space and a series of expert-led conference sessions. Visitors can also participate in the SmartHub’s Smart Factory Trail to see intelligent manufacturing and on-demand technology for production. The Smart Factory Trail will enable visitors to gain insights on the importance of reducing waste and increasing operational efficiency, while leveraging the benefits of the latest digital production methods. Confirmed Smart Factory Trail partners to date include Antigro Designer, Inkcups, Mimaki, Neolt, Polyprint and Trotec.

European Sign Expo will introduce its new Pavillion area, focusing on emerging members of the signage industry. This space will be illuminated by the vibrant products showcased by participating exhibitors, adopting the format of a lively high street. The Pavilion will feature cutting-edge technologies across digital signage, LED and software. Confirmed participants include Fast Digital Publicate, Polarstar and Verbax.

The closing stages of the highly contested World Wrap Masters competition will be fought out in Berlin. Following a series of regional competitions over the first two days of the event, vehicle wrappers from across Europe will go head-to-head to wrap a variety of special objects and vehicles. This will be followed by the all-important final, in which regional champions will battle it out to be crowned the World Wrap Masters 2025 champion. Alongside this, visitors can also attend a series of live wrapping demonstrations with industry experts.

The biannual Fespa Awards are also returning this year, and will celebrate innovation and creativity across 18 different categories, including print, sign and display, vehicle wrapping, garment and textiles and special effects. Visitors will have the opportunity to see entries to the Fespa Awards 2025, first-hand, throughout the duration of the exhibition. An expert panel of judges will then announce the winners at the official awards ceremony on Wednesday 7 May.

Ryan says: “Our features provide our visitors with an opportunity to delve beneath the surface of imminent trends and challenges within the speciality print and signage industries. Our new SmartHub feature will encourage visionaries from across the print industry to enhance their knowledge on intelligent manufacturing.”

There is also, of course, the Fespa party to look forward to. This will take place on the Thursday night (8 May) from 19:00 at the Prince Charles club in the fashionable Moritzplatz district. It is described as “the perfect way to unwind, connect and celebrate the incredible moments shared at Fespa… Expect an electrifying atmosphere with live entertainment, music, drinks and great company”. Tickets cost €75 but are discounted if purchased in bundles of five or 10.

NEED TO KNOW

Dates 6-9 May

Opening times 6-8 May: 10:00 to 18:00. 9 May 10:00 to 15:00

Venue Messe Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Entrance fees The standard cost for entry to the halls is €80, but this can be mitigated with the widely available promotional codes which can be found on Fespa’s social media, mailing, email marketing and at Fespa.com and via exhibitors.

Website fespaglobalprintexpo.com

GIRLS WHO PRINT

Girls Who Print, is the world’s largest network of women in print and graphic communications and will have an official presence at the show.

Fespa will also see the official launch of Girls Who Print Europe, with key members of its advisory board joining executive director Deborah Corn and VP & programme director Kelly Mallozzi to host the ‘Lunch and Lead’ event on the 7 May at 12:30.

Corn and Mallozzi will be on-site throughout the show to share information and hold thought-provoking events and valuable networking sessions.

Founded in 2009 as a LinkedIn group, Girls Who Print quickly became a grassroots initiative supporting women in the traditionally male-dominated printing industry.