Where visionaries meet

The FESPA Global Print Expo returns to Berlin at the beginning of May. But why should you visit this exhibition and what benefits will it bring to your garment decoration business. P&P editor, Melanie Attlesey, finds out.

In 2024 FESPA attracted more than 12,000 visitors across the four-day event. Similar numbers are expected this year as the global exhibition returns to Berlin for the fourth time from May 6 to 9.

The theme for this year’s exhibition ‘Where visionaries meet’, has been chosen to shine a spotlight on the futuristic and forward-thinking FESPA community. “It empowers visitors to discover new opportunities and make impactful decisions for the future of their businesses,” explains Michael Ryan, head of FESPA Global Print Expo. “The strapline also positions FESPA as the ideal connection point for these visionaries to meet, engage and explore.”

Three events in one

As a garment decorator, a visit to FESPA brings with it may benefits. Firstly, you aren’t just visiting one event, for FESPA also co-locates with the European Sign Expo and Personlisation Experience.

Michael adds: “All three events will provide a visual showcase of the latest print and signage technology, as well as discussions on the latest trends.”

Across all events, visitors interested in textile print and production, and apparel, will be able to discover the latest technologies and trends, as well as network and share knowledge with over 550 exhibitors.

If you are interested in textile printing and garment decoration you will find exhibitors showcasing solutions for end-to-end garment production, including direct to garment, embellishment, embroidery, dye sublimination, screen and digital printing and much more. Suppliers showcasing textile solutions include: Atexco, Brother, Coldenhove, DGI, Epson, Klieverik, Kornit Digital, M&R, Mimaki, Monti Antonio, ROQ and Stahls’ Europe.

Returning for the third year, the Personalisation Experience provides an opportunity for visitors to learn more about customisation. The experience offers an immersive platform for professionals looking to explore technologies and hear from brands and experts who are already benefiting from it.

The event includes daily conference sessions exploring topics and trends such as AI, automation and sustainability, real-life customer case stories about personalisation experiences, as well as trend overviews. Confirmed speakers to date include representatives from: Cloudprinter, EFI, Jubels, Printerpix, XMPie and Your Surprise. Also, within Personalisation Experience is the Smart Factory Trail, which will provide visitors with insights on intelligent manufacturing and the latest on-demand technology for garment production.

Garment decorators looking to add or expand their personalisation offering, should visit the event to see the latest on-demand technology that could help them take their business to the next level.

Expo highlights

I asked Michael what he thinks the highlights of this year’s expo will be, to which he replied: “There are many elements of FESPA that I look forward to each year. Whether it’s networking with our visitors, exhibitors, board members and association heads, or the FESPA team; witnessing technology launches first-hand; or delving into the latest print and signage trends, I always leave the event with a fresh perspective. No year is ever the same!”

He added that one particular part of the show he is most looking forward to is the new SmartHub Conference within Personalisation Experience.

The conference will provide a great opportunity for visitors interested in personalisation to hear from experts, brands and printers who are already reaping the benefits of offering customisation-enabling solutions. With over 20 sessions across the week, there’s sure to be seminars for everyone, at any stage of their personalisation journey.

Equipment launches

As with any major FESPA exhibition there is always a host of product launches and this year is no exception. Michael explains he is expecting over 100 launches. He adds: “It’s still relatively early to be able to say what products will be unveiled, however, this year, with trends including sustainability, AI, digitisation and personalisation pertinent across all three events, we’re expecting to see launches in these areas.

“It’s always a personal highlight for me seeing the innovation and creativity that our exhibitor community bring year on year, to see how these will impact the direction of the speciality print industry.”

UK market

When speaking to Michael about the opportunities that FESPA provides garment decorators, it is always interesting to ask him about his thoughts on the current state of the UK market.

“The garment decoration market is experiencing major growth, driven by technological advancements and with a strong focus on sustainability, which has been a big focus within the textile market for some time now, driven by the demand for more sustainable fashion and materials,” he explains. “We know that customers are now, more than ever, making more eco-conscious decisions and are therefore looking at more environmentally friendly fashion options, including more sustainably sourced materials and energy-efficient production methods.”

He continues: “Demand for greener products is driving the growth of water-based and eco-friendly inks due to their environmental advantages, alongside their ability to produce high quality print. This shift in demand is also fuelling growth for print on-demand due to its capability to reduce textile waste, as only short-run items are produced. Across the entire print industry, personalisation is a huge growth area and an advantage for print-on-demand due to the trend towards customised/ one-off bespoke fashion pieces.”

And finally

Michael concluded by saying: “I truly believe that FESPA events are unique and every year differs from the last, which provides many benefits for visitors attending. So, whether that’s the opportunity to discover new technologies and products; connect with like-minded business professionals; gain a deeper understanding of the trends driving our industry forward; or hearing directly from industry experts, there is something for everyone.”

FESPA Global Print Expo and its co-located shows will be the ultimate meeting place of 2025 for print service providers and visual communications professionals.