FESPA 2026 expanded its exhibition with new packaging and textile-focused events, contributing to a 10 per cent increase in unique visitors and a 20.68 per cent rise in collective visitor budgets compared with 2025.
The event, held at Fira de Barcelona from 19–22 May, combined six co-located exhibitions and three conference programmes, bringing together visitors from the speciality print, signage, packaging, personalisation, wrapping and textile sectors.
New additions Corrugated and Textile joined returning events FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience, while WrapFest was included in the flagship portfolio for the first time.
Corrugated focused on manufacturers of corrugated packaging and display solutions alongside suppliers of machinery, print technology, software, materials and automation systems. Visitors could also attend the Corrugated Conference, which covered packaging alongside print, signage, wrapping, textile decoration and personalisation.
FESPA recorded 24,798 total visits, with 15,495 unique visitors from 126 countries. Spain, Italy, the UK, Germany, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, Poland, Belgium and Switzerland were the largest visitor markets.
According to FESPA, 85% of visitors were senior decision-makers, while 77 per cent were directors, CEOs, owners or managers. The organisation said the collective median visitor budget reached €3.5 billion.
Michael Ryan, head of FESPA Global Print Expo, said the expanded format reflected the range of interests among attendees.
“By bringing together six clearly defined events, our aim was to give FESPA visitors a richer mix of opportunities to learn, be inspired and explore adjacent market sectors and applications,” he said.
“The patterns we’ve seen in event registration, usage of the FESPA app and conference attendance made it clear that most visitors have several overlapping areas of interest, so this approach serves their needs perfectly.”
Ryan said the multi-event format allowed visitors to access specialist expertise across multiple sectors while exploring new business opportunities.
Canon Europe EMEA marketing & innovation director Mathew Faulkner said the event enabled the company to showcase digital print-on-demand across several markets, including décor, personalisation and corrugated.
“Whether it’s décor, personalisation, or Corrugated – which we were proud to exhibit in and sponsor – FESPA is the perfect platform to showcase the power of digital print-on-demand across multiple verticals,” he said.
Scodix general manager & COO Amit Shvartz said the new Corrugated event allowed the company to connect with decision-makers and present new products.
“FESPA’s new Corrugated event was a must-attend for us,” he said.
“As a company that serves the signage and display market, it offered us the perfect opportunity to connect with key decision-makers, strengthen customer relationships and showcase our latest innovations and product developments.”
Brother marketing manager Folker Statchetzki said the exhibition remained an important platform for discussions across the print industry.
“Ultimately, attending FESPA offers a complete, all-in-one experience for anyone looking to stay connected with the print industry,” he said.
ROQ International head of sales João Sá said the new Textile event provided an opportunity to engage with businesses focused on apparel and garment decoration.
“For businesses operating in this market, Textile provides a platform to engage with a broad audience and connect with customers looking for solutions to their business challenges,” he said.
Terminax professional installer and demo expert Gencho Andreev said WrapFest created opportunities for professionals to exchange knowledge and showcase industry skills.
FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, WrapFest and Textile will return to Messe Munich, Germany, from 6–9 April 2027.