Exhibitors and visitors are getting ready to do face-to-face business at FESPA Global Print Expo 2021 and European Sign Expo 2021 (12-15 October, RAI, Amsterdam, The Netherlands), in light of the progressive relaxation of COVID restrictions and re-opening of hospitality and live events.

This progress, enabled by the pace of the vaccination programme in Europe, means that the two live FESPA events can now go ahead in Amsterdam in October with no restrictions on visitor numbers or density within halls and on individual exhibitor stands, and without one-way systems.

This and other positive developments such as the introduction of the EU Digital COVID Certificate and the steady relaxation of travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for travellers between many European countries, are fuelling business confidence among suppliers and service providers in the speciality print community, and building excitement for the return of the sector’s first live international event since 2019.

FESPA Global Print Expo 2021 and the co-located European Sign Expo will bring together over 300 exhibiting companies over 16,000m² of exhibition space at the RAI in October*. Together, they will offer print, textile and visual communications businesses a long-overdue opportunity to see the latest digital wide format, screen, textile printing and signage product innovations ‘in real life’, to touch and try technologies and materials, and to access the expert advice they need in person.

Exhibitors include 3A, Agfa, Ahlstrom Munksjö, Brother, Canon Production Printing, d.gen Inc, Durst, Kornit, M&R, Mimaki Europe, OneVision, Roland DG and STS Inks. Visitors can also enjoy a pared-back feature programme, including the popular Printeriors interior décor showcase and the Wrap Masters vehicle wrapping event.

FESPA CEO Neil Felton comments: “After such a long hiatus and so many disappointments, it feels incredible to finally be less than three months away from opening the doors to a live FESPA event. The anticipation from our exhibitors is mounting, and with the restrictions within live events eased, we can deliver an experience that comes as close as possible to what people expect from FESPA. Of course, this year will be different in lots of ways, but European print business owners are telling us that they need live events back to support their planning and investment decisions. With this event, we’ll set out to deliver the most comprehensive product and applications showcase possible to support their business recovery and build foundations for future growth.”

COVID precautions

Participants can rely on all the necessary health and safety precautions relating to COVID, including an enhanced cleaning regime, prominent hand sanitising facilities and wider aisles to allow for optimal visitor flow without bottlenecks. With a view to reducing physical touchpoints where possible, visitors will be able to enter both events using a digital ticket held on their mobile phone, and use QR codes around the show to access online versions of brochures, exhibitor marketing collateral and magazines via an updated FESPA event app. Mask wearing and distancing will be recommended.

Registration for FESPA Global Print Expo 2021 is live at www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com and visitors can benefit from a €30 discount on their entry ticket by quoting code FESM110.

FESPA GLOBAL PRINT EXPO SET TO RETURN TO BERLIN, GERMANY IN MAY 2022

FESPA today announces that the flagship Global Print Expo will return to Berlin, Germany in 2022, together with its co-located event for non-printed signage, European Sign Expo. The events will be taking place at the Messe Berlin from Tuesday 31 May to Friday 3 June 2022.

This event will be the third FESPA event in the city and after a successful event in 2018, feedback from visitors and exhibitors highlighted Berlin to be a popular venue for FESPA to return to. The exhibition is expected to cover eight halls of the Berlin Messe, showcasing screen, digital and textile printing, and non-printed signage solutions.

Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA comments: “After we hosted a successful event in Berlin in 2018, which achieved record international attendance numbers, we were keen to return in 2022. The city has always proved to be a popular location and is an excellent continental air and rail traffic hub, accessible from all major European and international cities. FESPA 2022 will continue to be an essential platform for printers looking to future-proof their businesses and aid business recovery and we’re looking forward to welcoming all participants, including those that are unable to attend FESPA 2021 due to travel and border restrictions.”

More detail on FESPA 2022 will be available after FESPA Global Print Expo 2021 takes place from 12 – 15 October 2021 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Prepared on the basis of information from FESPA