Fespa chief executive Neil Felton was on hand at the south entrance of Berlin Messe to welcome crowds of visitors to the opening ceremony today (15 May).

A selection of Fespa's executive team and specially invited VIPs gathered to cut the ceremonial ribbon at 10am today and declare the Global Expo and co-located European Sign Expo officially open, following a short speech from Felton.

In his address, he said: "Inside these 10 halls you will find the latest technology to inspire your business's latest move forward. There are 700 exhibitors, and hundreds of things you will never have seen before. We have a lot of great launches taking place this week.

"There is also a programme of inspiring seminars reflecting the key changes in our ever-evolving marketplace. We want you to see the true potential of your business by finding things to help increase your revenue streams and your innovation.

"Fespa 2018 is where printing takes off."

Felton highlighted a number of specialised areas coming to Fespa for the first time this year, including the Print Make Wear zone, which he said printed his tie. Set up as a full garment printing workflow, from design to catwalk presentation, it is intended to highlight the possibilities of applying print to manufacturing in the fashion industry.

Additionally, the Digital Corrugated Experience will showcase the opportunities available through digital print on corrugated substrates, and the World Wrap Masters competition will see teams from all around the world compete to apply a wrap to a car in the fastest time.

Fespa 2018 will run at Berlin Messe until Friday, 18 May.