Running from today until Friday (3 June), the event is hosting 350 exhibitors and a number of major product launches that will be covered in depth over the coming days by Printweek, where the team is live at the show producing the FespaDaily newspaper in partnership with German industry title Druck & Medien.
Fespa and the European Sign Expo promise to offer “the biggest and most comprehensive showcase” of innovations in wide-format, textile printing, and signmaking technology, software, substrates, and consumables since 2019, “providing a vital springboard to the sector’s recovery and long-term growth”.
Last year’s show in Amsterdam in October – the first to be held since the pandemic started – was an understandably pared back affair in terms of exhibitors and features, although the feedback about the event was very positive overall.
This week’s show is covering eight halls, with European Sign Expo located in hall 5.2. All have a clear emphasis on production efficiency, applications flexibility, and sustainability, Fespa said.
Speaking at the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning, Christophe Aussenac, who was appointed as Fespa’s 18th president last year and is the founding director of Lyon-based ATC (Autorise Toute Creativité), said: “As a printer myself I know the value that lies behind this ribbon.
“This is a place to discover innovation and be inspired by new ideas and possibilities and connect with the experts who can help make your business ambition a reality.
“The fact that you are here shows that you are ready to invest in your future despite the setbacks of the last two years.
“And with our mind on the future we must also think of future generations, and focus on how to run our businesses with increased respect for the planet. You’ll see many references to sustainability on exhibitors’ stands throughout the show and our visitor programme this year includes our first Sustainability Spotlight conference.”
Fespa head of global print expo Michael Ryan added: “It is our incredible pleasure to welcome everybody from across the world once again at the Fespa exhibition.”
The Sustainability Spotlight (25-C50) feature will deliver insights on a range of topics geared towards helping businesses operate in an environmentally responsible way.
Another new feature, the Associations Pavilion, is located in the South Entrance of the venue and is displaying diverse applications produced by members of Fespa’s worldwide network of associations, including samples of screen and digitally printed work.
Also in the South Entrance is this year’s Printeriors showcase of interior decor applications produced using environmentally responsible processes and ethically sourced materials, while visitors can also see the World Wrap Masters final, as well as the European competition.
In line with the relaxation of Covid restrictive measures on the German event industry, there are no longer any testing requirements or checks to enter Messe Berlin or the Fespa exhibition.
Participants do not need to show that they are vaccinated, recently recovered, or have tested negative for Covid-19 to enter the exhibition.
There are enhanced cleaning regimes and prominent hand sanitising facilities throughout the halls, and to reduce physical touchpoints, visitors are encouraged to hold their entry badges on their phones.
For more information, and to register for the show, visit: www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com.
On Thursday evening (2 June), Fespa will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a party hosted at the Bricks club in the heart of Berlin-Mitte, from 6.30pm to 11.30pm. More information on the event and tickets are at: www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com/fespas-60th-anniversary-party-night.
