Global wide format trade show Fespa has opened its doors to what it says is a world of possibilities, as digital wide format printing makes major moves into textile, home décor, packaging and other applications, in addition to launching new developments in its sign and display heritage.
A strong number of Australian and New Zealand printers are expected to be in Munich, as they seek new revenue streams and increased efficiencies through new print and cut solutions.
Print21 will be at the show for its entirety, with editor Wayne Robinson trawling the booths and talking to the developers for the latest updates, in what is an increasingly important sector for local commercial printers.
Print21 will also be hosting The Aussie Kiwi Fespa Party, being held at the world's most famous pub, Hofbrauhaus, on Thursday evening, with hospitality – first Stein free – provided by Visual Connections and Starleaton. Click here for details.
Fespa visitors see the latest innovations from 700 exhibitors, who will be highlighting technologies and consumables for digital wide format, screen printing, textile printing and garment decoration, and non-printed signage.
As part of the broad ranging show, there is a dedicated event for non-printed signage and visual communications, with 100 exhibitors showcasing solutions for channel lettering, illuminated signage, neon and LED, sign systems, engraving and etching, and dimensional signage.
Digital textile printing will form a key part of the show, with the sector opening up for commercial exploitation by printers thanks to new direct to garment and dye sub technology, and the market demand for fast fashion. A number of tech developers will be launching new textile print solutions including HP and Kornit.
A host of launches are expected, including swissQprint’s first roll-to-roll printer, Karibu.
Visitors can participate in a range of free event features where Fespa says they will discover new possibilities for their businesses through educational content and live technology and workflow demonstrations.
These include Colour L*A*B* (stand B4-K70), aimed to help printers improve colour management practices in their print businesses. There will be guided tours run by Print21 contributors Laurel Brunner and Paul Lindström, providing more detail on the technology on show. The tours can be booked in advance here.
As visitors enter Messe Munich at the East Entrance, they will see Printeriors, Fespa’s interior décor showcase, which highlights the opportunities of print for interior décor. For the first time in 2019, Printeriors will also feature exterior décor applications displayed in the outside hospitality areas of the Messe, showcasing the extensive scope of printed decoration.
Returning in 2019 in an enhanced format is Print Make Wear, (stand B6-A80) Fespa’s microfactory fashion feature, which demonstrates the full fashion production process from creation and preparation to production and presentation. Expert guided tours can be booked in advance here.
Prnters looking for inspiration from the latest trends in speciality print should visit the Fespa Trend Theatre (stand B5-F95), which offers daily seminars and panel discussions on key market areas. Some 38 sessions will take place across the four days, delivering insights on a host of prominent and current talking points. The full conference programme can be viewed here.
Fespa’s action-packed World Wrap Masters vehicle wrapping competition (stand A4-P40) will return with the World Wrap Masters Final (16 and 17 May). The competitions will be complemented by daily training workshops and demonstrations, hosted by wrap expert and head judge, Kiss Lajos.
Visitors looking for unbiased, technology-neutral advice can book a one-to-one session with an independent print consultant in the Ask The Experts sessions, hosted by ESMA. The sessions will take place at the ESMA Pavilion (A6-A70) and can be booked exclusively through the official Fespa 2019 show app.