The event largely targets the sign and graphic market but Konica Minolta will be showing both its pre-press and production capabilities, despite being better known for its cut-sheet presses.

Digital Printing Europe takes place from 16-18 May in Amsterdam.

According to Konica Minolta manager for market strategies and communication Rob Sethre, it is part of the company's strategy to widen its offerings.

"It fits in with the approach we are pushing as a group," he said. "It is important to have the profile and the visibility with those vendors. It is also part of an extended application the days of being a classic office print specialist are long gone."

Alongside sign and graphics, the show will also focus on emerging sectors including textiles, ceramics, glass, automotive and homewares.

"In those markets there is a big proportion of preparing the work and that's where we can come in with proofing and pre-press," added Sethre.

Fespa will wait to see how the event went before deciding on when the next one should run. Other exhibitors include Agfa, Durst, Mutoh and ATP.

"Feedback from the visitor base has been encouraging with over 3,000 visitors pre-registered, even six months from the event," said Fespa exhibitions director Frazer Chesterman.

Digital Printing Europe has extended the amount of floor space it had initially booked at the Amsterdam RAI by 30% to 16,250sqm. Fespa has also launched a dedicated travel and accommodation booking service.

Digital Printing Europe was launched this summer.

Digital Printing Europe
- The show is organised by Fespa and runs from 16-18 May 2006 at the Amsterdam RAI

- Sectors it covers include sign and graphics, textiles, ceramics, glass, automotive and coding

- Exhibitors include Konica Minolta, Esko-Graphics, MacDermid Colorspan, Artwork Systems, Nur Europe, Agfa, Durst, Mutoh and ATP

- Fespa has a dedicated travel and accommodation booking service for the event after appointing RAI Hotel and Travel Service as official handlers

- Fespa has 27 national associations and promotes screen printing and digital imaging. It has 4,800 members

- Website is www.fespadigital.com