FESPA Leadership Exchange Returns To Dubai, Uniting Regional Industry Leaders For High-Level Knowledge Exchange
Dubai, UAE – October 2026 – FESPA’s exclusive Leadership Exchange event, FLEX, will return to Dubai on 26 November 2026, bringing together senior figures from across the Middle East's print and signage industries for a day of strategic dialogue and knowledge sharing.
The invitation-only event comes at a pivotal moment for the region's print community, as businesses navigate rapid technological change, evolving sustainability demands, and shifting market dynamics.
Given the exclusive nature of the event, places are strictly limited.
Industry professionals are encouraged to apply to attend, with applications reviewed against a defined set of criteria to ensure the room reflects the calibre of discussion FLEX is known for.
“FLEX has always been about quality over quantity,” said FESPA. “By bringing together a focused group of senior leaders, we create the conditions for honest, forward-thinking conversations that genuinely shape the direction of our industry in the region.”
As part of the FLEX experience, attendees will also receive an invitation to FESPA Middle East, taking place from 27–29 April 2027.
This pairing reflects FESPA's broader commitment to building sustained, year-round engagement with the region's print community, rather than a single moment in time.
Together, the two events offer a continuum of insight: FLEX for strategic exchange among leadership, and FESPA Middle East for broader industry connection, innovation showcases, and business development.
The return of FLEX to Dubai underscores the city's growing significance as a hub for print, signage, and textile innovation in the Middle East.
As the region continues to invest heavily in manufacturing capability and sustainable production practices, events like FLEX play a critical role in ensuring industry leaders remain aligned on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Those interested in attending FLEX 2026 are invited to submit an application for consideration.
About FESPA
Founded in 1962, FESPA is a global federation of Associations for the screen printing, digital printing and textile printing community.
FESPA’s dual aim is to promote screen printing and digital imaging and to share knowledge about screen and digital printing with its members across the world, helping them to grow their businesses and learn about the latest developments in their fast-growing industries.
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This article distils the key takeaways and what buyers, designers, and brands should be asking right now.
Dubai, UAE – October 2026 – FESPA’s exclusive Leadership Exchange event, FLEX, will return to Dubai on 26 November 2026, bringing together senior figures from across the Middle East's print and signage industries for a day of strategic dialogue and knowledge sharing.
London, UK – October 2026 – Sanderson Design Group plc. has today announced a robust first-half performance, underpinned by sustained momentum across its business and the continued delivery of its focused growth strategy.
The results highlight the Group's growing international reach and its commitment to building a more resilient, sustainable future for the design industry.
Revenue for the period rose to £51.4m, while statutory profit before tax increased by 69% to £2.5m.
Adjusted profit before tax also grew significantly, up 47% to £3.3m
Telford, UK – October 2026 – China Print Supplies UK Ltd has today released its new 2026 price list, introducing new machines, updated bundle deals, and revised pricing across its range of print, cutting, and finishing solutions.
The updated catalogue reflects the company's ongoing commitment to equipping print businesses with reliable, cost-effective equipment as the industry continues to evolve.
With new machinery added to the lineup and refreshed bundle options, China Print Supplies UK aims to make it easier for customers to find solutions tailored to their operational needs and budgets.
Burgdorf, Switzerland / Geretsried, Germany, October, 2026 – Long-lasting performance textiles require solutions that address a wide range of consumer expectations, from lasting freshness and comfort to reliable protection against the elements.
SANITIZED and RUDOLF are highlighting their latest innovations, demonstrating how specialized textile technologies can support the functional durability and wearability of modern apparel.
Altstätten, Switzerland – October 2026 – Zünd has announced that it will open its headquarters in Altstätten, Switzerland, on 18–19 November 2026 for Zünd Technology Days 2026, a two-day event dedicated to live technology demonstrations, expert presentations, and an in-depth look at real-world production processes.
Milan, Italy – October 2026 – Agfa has confirmed its participation in Viscom Italia 2026, the international trade fair dedicated to visual communication and graphic arts.
The event will take place on 28–29 October 2026 at the Allianz MiCo Convention Center in Milan, with doors open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Watford = Hertfordshire- October – 2026 – Epson has announced that selected SureColor printers and inks are now covered by the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty, marking a significant step forward in the company's ongoing commitment to delivering durable, high-performance graphics solutions.
The certification reinforces the longstanding relationship between Epson and 3M, and underscores both companies' shared dedication to quality and innovation in the graphics industry.
London, UK – October 2026 – ARTSTHREAD has today launched the Public Vote for its seventh annual Global Creative Graduate Showcase, inviting audiences worldwide to discover and support the next generation of creative talent.
The vote is now live at vote.artsthread.com, giving the public the opportunity to engage directly with graduating work from across the globe.
Shanghai – China -October 2026 – BARBIERI Electronics, a global leader in professional colour measurement solutions, has announced its participation in ALL IN PRINT CHINA 2026, taking place from 12–16 October 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.
The company will exhibit alongside its partner, Beijing Dingli Xintong Technology Co. Ltd, at Booth N2A219, where COO and Co-Managing Director Viktor Lazzeri will meet with customers, partners and print professionals from across the industry
Bracknell – Berkshire - October 2026 - UFABRIK has added IGEPA Hungária to its expanding European distribution network, bringing its digital textile portfolio to customers across Hungary through one of the country’s leading print and visual communications suppliers.
The agreement will see IGEPA Hungária introduce the UFABRIK range to customers from its operations in Budapest and Nyíregyháza, with local stockholding, technical support, and wide-format availability up to 5 metres.
New York – NY – October 2026 – Optitex, a global leader in fashion technology solutions, has announced a significant update to its CutPlan software, introducing Purchase Order (PO) Wise capability as part of its O/26.1 release.
The new feature allows manufacturers to plan multiple Purchase Orders for the same style independently, addressing a long-standing inefficiency within the cut planning process.
United Kingdom – September 2026 – Inkloft, a new specialist digital printing business founded by Gary Weyman and Andy Hancock, has announced its entry into the direct-to-film (DTF) market.
The company has been appointed as a distributor of DuPont™ Artistri® DTF products, including P1600 inks and Artistri Jettable Adhesive JA1100, both now available to purchase online through inkloft.co.uk.
Peterborough, UK – October 2026 – Snuggle Ltd has today reaffirmed its commitment to redefining industrial garment decoration, combining high-volume output with environmentally responsible production methods at its Peterborough facility.
The announcement highlights the company's investment in water-based pigment ink digital printing technology, a move designed to cut the environmental footprint of large-scale apparel decoration without compromising on quality.
At the core of Snuggle's operation is industrial water-based pigment ink digital printing, which replaces the chemical-heavy alternatives traditionally used across the sector.
Manchester – October 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles has today highlighted its 33130 Achill Natural Linen, a beautifully understated fabric defined by timeless texture and natural character.
The luxurious fabric reflects the company's ongoing commitment to quality materials that serve both designers and the environment
Gent – Belgium – October 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has announced its participation in India CorrExpo 2026, following a successful week exhibiting at PRINTING United Expo 2026.
The company will showcase its latest advancements in digital cutting and routing technology, demonstrating how businesses across print, display, packaging and signage can achieve greater precision, productivity and scalability.
The event will take place from 14 to 16 October 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, where Kongsberg will be exhibiting at Booth B80, Hall 4.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has reinforced its two‑ decade partnership with Epson by expanding the range of Epson wide format print technologies now available for live demonstration at its UK Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Dunstable.
The move reflects Konica Minolta’s commitment to supporting the UK commercial print sector with a broader, more versatile portfolio and giving customers hands‑on access to leading solutions.
Coalville – Leicestershire – October 2026 – Innotech Digital & Display has concluded a successful first-time exhibition at The Print Show, held at the NEC over three days, unveiling its new Black Display Hardware Collection and demonstrating its materials in action through a series of industry partnerships.
The event marked a significant milestone for Innotech, offering the company its first opportunity to engage directly with the wider print community on this platform.
Visitors to the stand were able to explore product samples, view the newly launched Black Display Hardware Collection, and speak with the Innotech team about the latest developments in digital and display materials
Las Vegas – Nv -October 2026 – Durst Group AG has confirmed its first US customer orders for the Durst P5 350 CORE, following the system's debut at PRINTING United Expo.
The announcement caps a milestone year for the platform, which launched earlier in 2026 at FESPA Global Print in Barcelona and went on to win an EDP Award ahead of its US introduction.
The P5 350 CORE drew significant attention from attendees throughout the Expo, with interest converting directly into sales as the first American customers placed their orders on the show floor.
Altrincham- Cheshire – UK – October 2026 – Funkifabrics, a provider of fabrics for fashion and design, today highlighted a striking collection of garments created by renowned designer [theofficialglobegirls], which prominently features its textiles.
The collection showcases the versatility and quality of Funkifabrics' materials, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting bold, creative expression across the fashion industry.
The collaboration, shared across Funkifabrics' social media channels, has already generated significant engagement from the fashion community, with many praising the craftsmanship and visual impact of the designs.
Belgrade, Serbia – October 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA today announced that its GTX300 digital textile printer has been awarded the prestigious Gold Seal Award at Grafima 2026, the 46th International Fair of Graphic, Paper and Creative Industries, held in Belgrade.
The machine received top honours in the category "Digital Printing Machines for Textile Materials up to 160cm Wide", as judged by the fair's expert panel.
The Gold Seal Award recognises outstanding quality, innovation and professional capability within the graphic and textile printing industries.
Shanghai, China – October 2026 – FabricVision, a global innovator in textile production, has marked the successful completion of its first full year of operations, announcing ambitious expansion plans across both China and Europe.
The milestone was celebrated last week during China Expo in Shanghai, where the company convened with its team at Jinmao to review achievements and set strategic priorities for the year ahead.
The company's first year has been defined by rapid growth and deepening customer relationships, according to leadership.
Rapidity, a nearly 40-year-old London print and communications specialist, needed finishing equipment capable of matching the speed and complexity of its growing client roster, which includes Arsenal, Shell, and Aston Martin.
By partnering with Vivid Laminating Technologies and investing in three Veloblades, two Matrix systems, and an Easymount unit, Rapidity strengthened its production capabilities while maintaining the meticulous quality standards that have defined the business since 1986.
Klagenfurt - Austria – October 2026– Zimmer Austria, a global leader in textile printing and coating solutions, will be at IGATEX Pakistan 2026, one of the region's premier textile machinery exhibitions.
The company will exhibit its latest digital printing, screen printing, and coating technologies from 15–18 October 2026, at Hall 2, Booth F-2-09, in Karachi, Pakistan
Returning for the fifth time to Manchester’s GNCCF (Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair) are the GREEN GRADS,** 20 of the brightest of the UK’s new wave of eco-activists who have just graduated from universities all over the country, from Falmouth to Glasgow. The Fair runs from Thursday October 15 (private view) to Sunday October 18 (closes 4pm).
GREEN GRADS in the NORTH are taking over the 46 “changing cubicles” with their distinctive framework of blue cast iron, that fringe the gallery of Pool C, in the splendid Victoria Baths, Manchester. There is also a shop, curated by Laura Wigham, GREEN GRAD of 2024, with exclusive arts and crafts by GREEN GRAD makers from previous years.
Crewe, Cheshire – October 6th 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, has announced three dedicated demo days at its Crewe showroom, giving businesses a further opportunity to see the latest Mimaki machines in action.
Running from Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th October, the drop-in sessions follow the machines' debut at The Print Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham and are designed for those who missed the event, or want more time to explore the technology at their own pace.
Chesterfield, UK – October 2026 – Resolute DTF, a leading provider of direct-to-film printing solutions, has concluded its participation in The Print Show, last week, with an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees.
The event gave the company an opportunity to showcase its latest innovations in DTF and UV DTF printing technology to print businesses from across the industry.
Visitors to the Resolute DTF stand were given hands-on access to the company's expanding product range, including its R-JET PRO DTF and UVi-3D UV DTF printers, alongside its portfolio of inks, films, and finishing equipment.
Capurso, Italy – October - 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions today announced that Digibux Print, an Italian digital print specialist, has invested in the Jeti Bronco H3300 HS, a 3.3-metre wide-format hybrid UV LED inkjet printer.
The investment marks a significant step in Digibux Print's evolution from digital print specialist to industrial production powerhouse, as the company expands its production capabilities to meet changing customer demands.
London, UK – 25 September 2026 – Sanderson Design Group PLC (AIM: SDG), the luxury interior furnishings group, today announced a 10-year licensing agreement with Dunelm for Designers Guild, the luxury interiors brand acquired by Dunelm in April 2025.
Under the Agreement, Sanderson Design Group has been granted the sole licence to design, manufacture and sell Designers Guild wallpapers, fabrics and paint worldwide.
The Agreement grants Sanderson Design Group access to Designers Guild's extensive archive design library, alongside the opportunity to create new designs under the brand, in exchange for a royalty fee paid to Dunelm
Zoetermeer - Netherlands - October 2026 – Papergraphics has announced that its Netherlands branch is now an accredited partner for Canon printers, bringing the acclaimed GP and PRO series to Dutch customers for the first time.
The accreditation builds on Papergraphics' long-standing Canon partnership in the UK, extending the same calibre of large-format printing hardware to the Dutch market.
Neuss – Germany – October 2026 – B-FLEX Italia has announced a partnership with Epson Deutschland GmbH to showcase the future of direct-to-film printing at the Epson Production Days event in October.
The collaboration will bring B-FLEX's DTF film and hot-melt powder together with Epson's SureColor G9000 printer in live, twin-roll demonstrations designed to show how materials and machinery combine to maximise both quality and output in real production settings