Visitors morph into print superheroes

Print Solutions IndPrint

Today witnesses the return of Fespa Digital to its original venue – the RAI Exhibition Centre in Amsterdam. Throughout the week, thousands of visitors from around the world are expected to ‘fly’ into the city to discover the latest technology from over 450 exhibitors across digital, textile, signage and printed interior décor markets.

With four events taking place concurrently, Fespa Digital 2016 (halls 1, 3 and 7) is displaying the latest digital print technology including equipment, consumables, software and applications from international and local manufacturers. In halls 4 and 5, Fespa Textile, the largest textile print dedicated, garment décor and soft signage solutions event to date, will inspire those with an interest in textile to explore new applications and techniques.

European Sign Expo (ESE) (halls 2 and 3) gathers the newest non printed signage products and software for channel lettering, illuminated LED and neon displays, and architectural/dimensional signage and has experienced 110% in growth since the initial event in 2013, making it the largest ESE event so far. And, in its second year, Printeriors, the dedicated showcase for printed interior décor (hall 6) has taken the form of the ‘Print Hotel’, enabling printers and interior designers to visualise the latest trends to inspire and engage with digital print. Room sets include a bar, retail space, meeting room, lounge, bathroom, reception, café and even the interiors of an elevator.

Available onsite for visitors will be bespoke ‘Textile’ and ‘Signage’ trails, designed to showcase exhibitors who offer textile and signage solutions in addition to their digital offerings. The trails will be available in map form and enable visitors to plan their visit with particular preferences in mind.

Today, 8 March, the Digital Textile Conference is presenting trends, tips and practical case studies on the growth and future of digital textile printing, with textile experts such as keynote speakers Basso & Brooke, pioneers of the digital print process in fashion; David Schmelzeisen, Institute of Textile Technology Germany; and Alan Shaw, managing director, Centre for Advanced Textiles, among others.

The Printeriors Conference on 10 March will feature a host of interior décor experts discussing the latest trends, and how to use print as a tool within the interior space, including Alberto Alessi, head of Marketing Strategy, Communication and Design Management at world renowned Italian design company, Alessi; Gemma Riberti, previous editor of Stylesight; Cholakarn Visuitpitakul, marketing and creative director, Bodhi Tree Décor, and many more.

Across two theatres on the show floor, the Digital Seminars and Signage Seminars will enable visitors to gain industry knowledge across varied, in-depth topics, as well as participate in questions and answers sessions. Experts will be taking part in varied discussions and presentations throughout the four days of the show.

Within the Signage Seminars’ demo area, visitors can also try their hand at signwriting and painted lettering workshops, courtesy of Better Letters and Ghostsigns, as well as observe the experts create examples of traditional hand painted signage.

In addition to all of this, the European Heat of the World Wrap Masters competition (hall 7, S50) is taking place over the next two days, with the World Wrap Masters Series Final happening on 10 to 11 March. Competitors from across the globe who have prequalified in previous events will join the winners of the European final in a battle to be crowned Wrap Master. With items such as clogs, superhero related objects and Audi A1 sportback vehicles to be wrapped, visitors thinking about diversifying into graphic wrapping must make sure they come along to this iconic event.

Roz McGuinness, divisional director, FESPA, commented: ‘The atmosphere at the RAI today is already supercharged, as visitors have more reasons than ever before to explore the exciting opportunities for business diversification, and witness over 50 new product launches throughout the four events. This year marks our tenth anniversary of the digital show, and it has gone from strength to strength, providing visitors the tools they need to become print superheroes, and ultimately improve their business profits. We want all of our visitors to leave feeling inspired to take their digital offering to the next level.’