FESPA
FESPA is a "federation of global screen, textile and digital printing trade associations" servicing its members and the print community at large.
FESPA are also an events and exhibitions organiser for the wide format printing, screen printing, textile and digital printing community.
The organisation provides a forum for information exchange between member associations resulting in help from the larger to the smaller Associations in recruitment, training and technical studies.
It also runs a number of events and community outreach programmes, including industry research and educational programmes for students, vehicle wrapping competitions, Awards, networking events and design conferences.
FESPA’s successful worldwide events generate profits which are reinvested for the benefit of the global print community.
Via our network of 37 national associations, FESPA supports hundreds of projects each year to educate and grow the industry.
Johannesburg – July – 2026 Experience the latest digital printing, vehicle wrapping and paint protection films at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Johannesburg Expo, where industry meets opportunity.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026.
Mexico City, Mexico – July 2026 – FESPA Mexico, the premier event for the print and signage industry in Latin America, is set to take place from 10–12 September at Centro Citibanamex, Mexico City.
The event will bring together professionals, suppliers, and innovators from across the region to explore the latest technologies and trends shaping the future of print.
Munich, Germany – July 2026 – FESPA has announced that the European Sign Expo will return to Munich, Germany, from 6 to 9 April 2027.
The event will bring together signage and visual communication professionals from across Europe and beyond, providing a dedicated platform for the industry to connect, collaborate, and explore the latest innovations shaping the sector.
European Sign Expo is widely regarded as the continent's foremost event for the signage industry.
Munich, Germany – July 2026 – The FESPA Global Print Expo will once again take place in Munich, Germany, from 6–9 April 2027 and Registration for exhibitor stands is now open.
Following a succession of highly successful events in the city in 2014, 2019, and 2023, FESPA is returning to a destination that has consistently delivered outstanding results for exhibitors and visitors alike.
FESPA Middle East has announced that its 2027 edition will take place from 27–29 April 2027 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), marking a significant new chapter for the region’s leading exhibition dedicated to speciality print, signage, visual communication and textile decoration.
The announcement follows extensive consultation with industry stakeholders across the Middle East and North Africa, with the timing reflecting an understanding of current market conditions and the wider regional business landscape, to provide the specialist print and visual communications community with the opportunity to reunite, reconnect with suppliers, distributors and buyers, and explore the technologies, ideas and strategies shaping the future of the industry.
6 July 2026 : FESPA is delighted to announce that it has been named ‘Organiser Team of the Year’ by the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) at its prestigious AEO Excellence Awards.
The award recognises FESPA’s outstanding contribution to the global events industry, its continued commitment to delivering world-class exhibitions and the strength of FESPA’s global team, which operates across multiple regions while maintaining a unified, collaborative culture.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – June 2026 -– Sun Chemical has highlighted Spectrasense™ Black L 0082, a perylene black pigment engineered to deliver functional performance alongside aesthetic appeal.
The new pigment opens fresh possibilities in design, combining deep, durable black shades with advanced optical properties suited to modern applications.
Unlike traditional carbon blacks, Spectrasense™ Black L 0082 offers high near-infrared (NIR) transparency.
Dorking – June 2026 – FESPA has called on print businesses worldwide to participate in its latest Print Census, as new findings reveal that automation is increasingly central to improving efficiency, reducing costs and unlocking fresh opportunities for growth across the industry.
The FESPA Print Census, one of the most comprehensive research initiatives in the global print community, gathers insights directly from businesses to establish meaningful industry benchmarks.
According to the latest data, companies are investing more heavily in automation to streamline production, drive down operational expenses and position themselves to seize emerging opportunities.
Birmingham, UK – June 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions has announced its participation in The Print Show 2026, the United Kingdom’s premier print industry event.
Taking place from the 29th of September to the 1st of October at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, the exhibition will serve as a platform for Agfa to demonstrate its authoritative stance on the future of print technology.
Visitors can locate the company at Stand P510 in Hall 1, where industry leaders will unveil strategies to unlock new business opportunities, drive operational efficiency, and address critical industry shifts.
From 19 – 22 May, FESPA 2026 comprising FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, WrapFest, Corrugated and Textile welcomed visitors from the speciality print, signage, packaging, personalisation, wrapping and textile sectors to the Fira de Barcelona.
The event was the first flagship exhibition in Southern Europe since 2012 and, with six co-located events and three conference programmes under one roof, it was its most varied and multi-faceted to date.
FESPA is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Anders Nilsson, former FESPA President and longstanding Board Member, whose contribution to FESPA and its global print community was significant and enduring.
Anders served as President of FESPA from 2007 to 2010 during a pivotal period of international growth and innovation for FESPA.
Barcelona – Spain – The FESPA MENA Forum 2026 has successfully concluded in Barcelona, running concurrently with the prestigious FESPA Global Print Expo.
Hosted by the FESPA Middle East team, this pivotal gathering convened influential leaders and key stakeholders from across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) visual communications sector to address the urgent transformations required to secure the industry's future.
Barcelona – May 2026 – Mutoh Europe nv has been honoured with the prestigious EDP Award for Best Roll-to-Roll Printer under 170 cm for its cutting-edge MUTOH XpertJet 1681SR Pro.
The accolade, announced at the latest EDP Awards, recognises the company's relentless commitment to pushing the boundaries of print technology and delivering exceptional, sustainable value to the global signage industry.
The expert judging panel praised the MUTOH XpertJet 1681SR Pro, officially describing the system as "[a] breakthrough in price performance."
With great sadness, FESPA today shares the news of the death of one of FESPA’s ‘founding fathers’, Michel Caza.
With great sadness, FESPA today shares the news of the death of one of FESPA’s ‘founding fathers’, Michel Caza. Michel passed away on 23rd May 2026 at the age of 90.
FESPA has today announced that its annual FESPA Global Print Expo and co-located events (European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, WrapFest and Textile), will take place at the Messe Munich, Germany, from Tuesday 6 – Friday 9 April 2027.
Next year’s events will also welcome the return of the FESPA Awards, World Wrap Masters and Club FESPA.
Newcastle UK - May 14th 2026 – Mexar Ltd and Indie Ink have announced that Managing Director and inkjet ink development expert Andy Hancock will attend the upcoming FESPA Global Print Expo in Barcelona.
Taking place next week, Hancock will be available on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to meet with industry leaders, discuss pressing sector challenges, and explore forward-thinking solutions in printing technology.
Agfa has been recognised at the EDP Awards 2026 with its Jeti Bronco H3300 HS hybrid printer taking home one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades.
The awards, presented during FESPA Global Print Expo 2026 on 20 May, saw judges praising the Bronco’s combination of high-speed productivity and hybrid versatility that enable print service providers to handle rigid and roll media applications on a single platform.
With speeds of up to 450 m²/h and a 3.3m print width, the Bronco is engineered for strong output without compromising on throughput or quality.
Barcelona, Spain - 19 May 2026 – Zünd, a global authority in advanced digital cutting systems, is presenting its highly reliable and versatile solutions at the FESPA Global Print Expo in Barcelona from 19 to 22 May 2026.
Operating under the theme "Reliable All-Rounders" at Booth A129 in Hall 3, the company will demonstrate how its modular systems address the urgent industry need for sustainable, cost-effective, and highly automated production workflows.
Barcelona, Spain – May 20th 2026 – Epson is set to showcase its latest advancements in professional printing technology at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2026.
Taking place in Barcelona, the event sees Epson demonstrating its commitment to industry innovation and sustainable production from Hall 3, Stand C75.
The comprehensive exhibition highlights major developments in direct-to-film, high-production dye sublimation, and UV flatbed printing.
Barcelona, 19 May 2026 — Launched today at FESPA Barcelona, the new F Series Vantage marks the next evolution in flatbed cutting from Summa.
In a world where margins and profitability are under increased pressure due to material cost, labor constraints and costly errors, the F Series Vantage is made to accelerate every stage of the workflow, combining enhanced cutting speeds with intelligent automation to deliver the ultimate operator-friendly experience.
Its open, modular architecture ensures seamless integration into existing production environments, offering maximum flexibility and compatibility.
Barcelona, Spain, May 19, 2026 — Kornit Digital (NASDAQ: KRNT, "Kornit Digital", "Kornit", or the "Company"), a global leader in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, today announced the commercial availability of the Atlas MATRIX platform following the successful completion of a global beta program across leading production environments in Europe and North America.
The announcement, made ahead of FESPA 2026 in Barcelona, marks a major milestone in the evolution of digital apparel production.
Barcelona – May -2026 – At the upcoming exhibition at FESPA 2026 in Barcelona, Epson UK & I will demonstrate how advanced UV printing can help businesses secure new, sustainable revenue streams.
Located in Hall 3, Stand C75, the technology leader will showcase its latest developments in bespoke décor and premium signage.
BARCELONA, Spain – May 2026 – FESPA has officially announced the details for its highly anticipated FESPA Party Night 2026.
Scheduled to take place on Thursday 21 May from 19.00, the event will be hosted at the premier Carpe Diem Lounge Club in Barcelona.
Osweatry – Shropshire- May 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has officially announced its upcoming participation in the highly anticipated FESPA 2026 exhibition, which will take place in Barcelona from the 19th to the 22nd of May.
The company will be prominently positioned in Hall 2, Stand E10, where it will partner with its esteemed international suppliers, Dlican and Gongzheng, to present cutting-edge print technologies to a global audience of industry professionals.
Barcelona, Spain – May 2026 – Kornit Digital is set to demonstrate the future of sustainable, on-demand textile production at FESPA 2026, taking place from 19 to 22 May at Fira Barcelona Gran Via.
Exhibiting under the banner "One Solution, Infinite Possibilities" in Hall 3, Booth 3-A95, the company will showcase the Kornit Atlas MATRIX live, empowering print businesses to flexibly address the industry's most pressing production challenges.
Gistel – Belgium – May 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions has announced its upcoming showcase at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2026, taking place in Barcelona from the 19th to the 22nd of May.
Positioned at Booth 3-D100, the industry leader will unveil the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS, a powerful new hybrid printer engineered to deliver unparalleled speed, scale, and production confidence.
This launch reinforces Agfa's commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in the print industry, addressing the urgent demand for sustainable and high-performance printing solutions.
Barcelona, Spain – March 2026 – Brother Industries will present a comprehensive range of professional textile decoration and print solutions at FESPA 2026 in Barcelona.
The company's stand, located within the fair's dedicated Textile section, will feature hybrid Direct-to-Garment (DTG) and Direct-to-Film (DTF) systems, alongside the recently launched DTRX — an industrial DTF solution designed for medium to high-volume production environments.
The story of what happens when young designers access digital technology is still being written.
What once was a theoretical sustainability goal seems to have shifted into an active regulatory reality.
Is the Textile Market Finally Recovering?
After a difficult few years, there are genuine reasons for optimism. Duncan was candid about the challenges: "The market for textiles has been very difficult over the last three years. I'm not going to hide the truth there. But the tide is turning.“
A profound shift is currently reshaping the sector
Changing consumer expectations demand greater design diversity, faster turnaround times, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
To thrive, interior brands must adapt their supply chains, bringing production closer to the end consumer and moving away from bulk manufacturing.
Digital textile printing offers a definitive solution to these operational bottlenecks.
Digital transformation doesn't announce itself.
It accumulates - one innovation at a time - until an entire industry looks back and realises the ground has shifted beneath its feet. That's precisely where textiles stands today.
The conversations happening now about AI, automation, sustainability, and digital product passports are not theoretical. They are shaping decisions being made on factory floors and in boardrooms right now.
“By leveraging advanced digital textile printing, Marylene Madou has successfully merged traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Her approach offers a blueprint for how independent designers can scale their brands globally while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.”
From Helsinki's printing mill to Paris's Le Marais, discover how Marimekko is scaling a design-led brand with purpose, craft, and bold innovation.
But what makes Marimekko's story compelling is not just its aesthetic legacy?
The textile industry is undergoing a vital transformation. As the insights from Techtextil and Texprocess reveal, the path forward relies on a combination of sustainable hardware, intelligent chemistry, and seamless digital workflows.
From Zimmer's industrial-scale energy reductions and Stratasys's on-demand 3D embellishments, to Kornit's single-step technical printing and the unified digital ecosystems of NedGraphics and Optitex, the tools for change are here. To stay competitive, brands and manufacturers must adopt these innovations, moving away from fragmented, wasteful processes towards a truly connected, circular economy.
Friedmans stands as a testament to the power of combining traditional textile knowledge with forward-thinking innovation.
“Operating from their UK headquarters, Friedmans now serves a diverse array of sectors, including swimwear, dance, entertainment, sportswear, interior decor, prosthetics, and even pet apparel. With a strategic supply chain that reliably serves clients worldwide”
The apparel decoration industry is decisively moving away from isolated, analogue production tools toward connected digital manufacturing environments.
"Kornit’s unwavering commitment to transformative technology continues to disrupt the status quo. For business leaders and innovators ready to capture the future of apparel manufacturing, the path forward is clear”
The Urgent Need for Sustainability at Scale
The transformation at Coats provides a vital blueprint for the wider textile and apparel sector. True sustainability cannot be achieved in silos. As Dearing emphasised:
“Cross-industry collaboration is the engine of meaningful change. Brands, machinery suppliers, chemical providers, and fibre producers must act as an interconnected ecosystem”
Today’s customers demand superior product quality, real-time data visibility, and lightning-fast turnaround times.
For large-scale garment decorators, managing these expectations while balancing seasonal demand fluctuations - such as the massive surges seen during Black Friday - presents a monumental challenge.
"Relying on transactional vendor relationships and outdated legacy equipment is no longer sufficient to secure long-term stability and growth.”
Printing method is never a secondary detail. It shapes the entire life cycle of a product, from concept to customer. In today’s fashion industry, where margins are tighter and speed matters more than ever, technical knowledge has become a competitive advantage.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
If you're looking to optimize your website for AI search, hang onto your cowboy hat. It's the Wild West out there. Former (and current) SEO companies see the handwriting on the wall as more search moves from traditional SEO to AEO (answer engine optimisation). Opportunists are popping out of the woodwork.
(There are good options out there, but vet them carefully.)
A swimsuit might start life as a sketch. By the time it reaches the shop floor, dozens of hands have touched it - designers, dye houses, printers, trim manufacturers, quality controllers. Each one interprets colour in their own way, under their own conditions, with their own tools. The result is often a product that looks nothing like the original vision.