Fespa
FESPA Federation of European Screen Printers Associations, organiser of the world’s leading screenprinting and digital imaging exhibitions.
URL: http://www.fespa.com
Updated: 48 min 31 sec ago
FESPA welcomes Xaar as Global Technology Partner
FESPA is proud to announce that Xaar is Global Technology Partner for the 4th consecutive year.
Xaar is the world's leading independent supplier of industrial inkjet printheads and as FESPA Global Technology Partner, is strongly involved in FESPA's digital strategy and technology debates and seminars. Through their partnership, FESPA and Xaar explore market trends and developments in inkjet innovation and work together to educate visitors and exhibitors about the significant potential of inkjet technology.
As part of the agreement, Xaar will support FESPA's global events, including the FESPA Mexico Workshops 2012 (May-Aug 2012), FESPA India Masters 2012 (Autumn 2012) and FESPA London 2013 (25-29 June 2013).
FESPA Managing Director Neil Felton said: "Our successful partnership with Xaar has been invaluable in helping FESPA to provide our national associations and their members with access to new ideas, guidance and in-depthinkjet market knowledge.
"FESPA has a strong commitment to develop and sustain a community of printers who are educated, informed and well equipped for a positive future. Bringing together groups and individuals in the screen and digital printing community is important to us, so it is vital that we have the strongest possible links with leading edge technology developers, like Xaar, the acknowledged market experts."
Mark Alexander, Director of Marketing, Xaar said; "Our partnership with FESPA demonstrates our strong commitment to inkjet innovation and education, and allows us first hand feedback from a diverse group of printers. Xaar and FESPA are both dedicated to promoting the considerable potential of inkjet technology to graphics businesses around the world."
For more information about FESPA or to pre-register for FESPA Digital 2012 visit www.fespa.com/digital.
Xaar is the world's leading independent supplier of industrial inkjet printheads and as FESPA Global Technology Partner, is strongly involved in FESPA's digital strategy and technology debates and seminars. Through their partnership, FESPA and Xaar explore market trends and developments in inkjet innovation and work together to educate visitors and exhibitors about the significant potential of inkjet technology.
As part of the agreement, Xaar will support FESPA's global events, including the FESPA Mexico Workshops 2012 (May-Aug 2012), FESPA India Masters 2012 (Autumn 2012) and FESPA London 2013 (25-29 June 2013).
FESPA Managing Director Neil Felton said: "Our successful partnership with Xaar has been invaluable in helping FESPA to provide our national associations and their members with access to new ideas, guidance and in-depthinkjet market knowledge.
"FESPA has a strong commitment to develop and sustain a community of printers who are educated, informed and well equipped for a positive future. Bringing together groups and individuals in the screen and digital printing community is important to us, so it is vital that we have the strongest possible links with leading edge technology developers, like Xaar, the acknowledged market experts."
Mark Alexander, Director of Marketing, Xaar said; "Our partnership with FESPA demonstrates our strong commitment to inkjet innovation and education, and allows us first hand feedback from a diverse group of printers. Xaar and FESPA are both dedicated to promoting the considerable potential of inkjet technology to graphics businesses around the world."
For more information about FESPA or to pre-register for FESPA Digital 2012 visit www.fespa.com/digital.
Planet Friendly Printing Programme
FESPA's long-held commitment to supporting the global print community in becoming more sustainable will continue at FESPA Digital 2012 from February 21-24, 2012 in Barcelona.
This will comprise:
• A two-day dedicated conference focussed on sustainability (room 4.1);
• Several focussed workshops on specific aspects of sustainable printing (room 4.3);
• The Planet Friendly Printing clinic – a drop-in advice centre for printers interested in improving their sustainable printing credentials (stand B15a); and
• The chance to collect your own copy of the Planet Friendly Printing Guide from the FESPA stand (B15).
Whether you are already pursuing sustainable printing techniques, or are just setting out and don't know where to start, the cadre of global sustainable printing experts which FESPA has assembled will be able to offer you invaluable advice, tips and tricks to ensure your business is leading in this key area. Access to the conference, workshops and drop-in clinic are all free-of-charge to visitors to FESPA Digital 2012.
To find out how to get ahead of your competitors and ensure you are ready to print for anyone – including the world's biggest brands – simply click on the buttons to the right.
This will comprise:
• A two-day dedicated conference focussed on sustainability (room 4.1);
• Several focussed workshops on specific aspects of sustainable printing (room 4.3);
• The Planet Friendly Printing clinic – a drop-in advice centre for printers interested in improving their sustainable printing credentials (stand B15a); and
• The chance to collect your own copy of the Planet Friendly Printing Guide from the FESPA stand (B15).
Whether you are already pursuing sustainable printing techniques, or are just setting out and don't know where to start, the cadre of global sustainable printing experts which FESPA has assembled will be able to offer you invaluable advice, tips and tricks to ensure your business is leading in this key area. Access to the conference, workshops and drop-in clinic are all free-of-charge to visitors to FESPA Digital 2012.
To find out how to get ahead of your competitors and ensure you are ready to print for anyone – including the world's biggest brands – simply click on the buttons to the right.
Print Shop Live! Integrating Diverse Technologies at FESPA Digital
Wide format printers looking to optimise their production and integrate the latest technologies in their operations should make time for Print Shop Live! at FESPA Digital 2012 (Barcelona, 21-24 February 2012).
Making its European debut at FESPA Digital 2012, Print Shop Live! recreates a fully functional, live print shop environment, enabling visitors to see a real production workflow close up, with expert commentary from participating companies and independent experts.
The prepress workflow on show will include colour management software from GMG, together with ripping and preflighting tools from Onyx. Output will be demonstrated across multiple print devices from suppliers including Epson, HP and Mutoh, showcasing a wide array of print technologies for conventional and textile applications. As the exclusive media partner for Print Shop Live!, Ilford will demonstrate a variety of substrates in its biodegradable Biomedia range. FESPA's Global Finishing Partner Esko Graphics will contribute its Kongsberg cutting solutions to demonstrate this aspect of wide format print finishing.
Visitors can register free of charge online to take fully hosted tours of Print Shop Live!, accompanied by global inkjet expert Sophie Matthews-Paul, with regular tours also available in Spanish, hosted by industry commentator Juan Diaz Diaz. Printers may also choose to submit their own artwork in advance to be printed live during their tour.
Duncan MacOwan, FESPA's Head of Events and New Media has spearheaded the project for Barcelona and explains: "Technology is still the driver behind many of the opportunities open to wide format printers. The biggest challenge can be to assess how best to integrate new technology with what they have already to achieve the best outcome for their business. With Print Shop Live!, we'll show how straightforward it can be to seamlessly bring together the different production stages, optimising productivity and operational efficiency across multiple applications to offer the most comprehensive service to customers."
He adds, "Print Shop Live! was a huge hit with visitors when we introduced it at FESPA Americas in 2011, and our research suggests that this is exactly the type of interactive, educational content that visitors want from FESPA. The participating vendors are collaborating closely to give visitors informative insightsinto the real-world potential of digital print, and we're all excited to see this innovative attraction come together in Barcelona."
For more detail on all the individual solutions on show within Print Shop Live!, to register for tours, or to find out about submitting your own artwork, visit www.printshoplive.net
Making its European debut at FESPA Digital 2012, Print Shop Live! recreates a fully functional, live print shop environment, enabling visitors to see a real production workflow close up, with expert commentary from participating companies and independent experts.
The prepress workflow on show will include colour management software from GMG, together with ripping and preflighting tools from Onyx. Output will be demonstrated across multiple print devices from suppliers including Epson, HP and Mutoh, showcasing a wide array of print technologies for conventional and textile applications. As the exclusive media partner for Print Shop Live!, Ilford will demonstrate a variety of substrates in its biodegradable Biomedia range. FESPA's Global Finishing Partner Esko Graphics will contribute its Kongsberg cutting solutions to demonstrate this aspect of wide format print finishing.
Visitors can register free of charge online to take fully hosted tours of Print Shop Live!, accompanied by global inkjet expert Sophie Matthews-Paul, with regular tours also available in Spanish, hosted by industry commentator Juan Diaz Diaz. Printers may also choose to submit their own artwork in advance to be printed live during their tour.
Duncan MacOwan, FESPA's Head of Events and New Media has spearheaded the project for Barcelona and explains: "Technology is still the driver behind many of the opportunities open to wide format printers. The biggest challenge can be to assess how best to integrate new technology with what they have already to achieve the best outcome for their business. With Print Shop Live!, we'll show how straightforward it can be to seamlessly bring together the different production stages, optimising productivity and operational efficiency across multiple applications to offer the most comprehensive service to customers."
He adds, "Print Shop Live! was a huge hit with visitors when we introduced it at FESPA Americas in 2011, and our research suggests that this is exactly the type of interactive, educational content that visitors want from FESPA. The participating vendors are collaborating closely to give visitors informative insightsinto the real-world potential of digital print, and we're all excited to see this innovative attraction come together in Barcelona."
For more detail on all the individual solutions on show within Print Shop Live!, to register for tours, or to find out about submitting your own artwork, visit www.printshoplive.net
JOIN THE WRAP BATTLE TO BE CROWNED FIFTH WRAP CUP MASTERS SERIES CHAMPION AT FESPA DIGITAL 2012
FESPA has launched the fifth edition of the FESPA Wrap Cup Masters Series, the live vehicle wrapping competition running throughout FESPA Digital 2012 (Barcelona, 21-24 February). Over the course of the four-day event up to 48 vehicle wrappers will battle through several rounds to be crowned the FESPA Wrap Cup Masters European champion 2012.
The FESPA Wrap Cup Masters Series comprises eight events over three years. Launched at FESPA 2010 in Munich the Wrap Cup had pit stops at FESPA Americas, FESPA Mexico and at FESPA Digital 2011 in Hamburg. Following FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona, the Wrap Cup's Grand Finale will take place at FESPA 2013 in London, where contenders will go head to head against regional winners to be awarded the ultimate title of FESPA Global Wrap Cup Masters Champion.
Designed to encourage, recognise and promote excellence in the global vehicle wrapping community, the FESPA Wrap Cup Masters Series is a chance for wrapping professionals to be involved in a live competition and gain global recognition for their expertise. Within each competition, a collection of prestigious cars will act as a blank canvas for vinyl mastery. Contenders will be judged on quality and speed using the most advanced materials and techniques, with the goal of impressing a panel of experienced judges.
Skill will be rewarded with valuable prizes which include printers, software, wrap tools, consumables, vinyl vouchers, discounts and much more provided by the sponsors of Wrap Cup, HP, Seat, Leister ISee2, Avery, Roland, MR Clipart, Rigidisc, Rotutech, Knifeless Tech Systems and Eurosystems.
The Wrap Cup 2012 winner will also receive an all expenses paid trip to the FESPA Wrap Cup Masters Final Event at FESPA 2013 (25-29 June, London).
The panel of judges will operate a scoring system designed to place high priority on excellence and precision. Contenders will be given an assigned time to complete their work; wrappers who manage to deliver the best quality car wrap within the deadline will advance to the next round. Through progressive stages, winners will culminate in a daily final and then go on to compete in the Grand Finale on the last day of the show.
FESPA's Head of Events & New Media, Duncan MacOwan comments, "The FESPA Wrap Cup Masters Series is as much fun to watch as it is to take part in and it has proved to be a very successful event that engages both contenders and visitors - the competition is fierce! Although vehicle decoration is quite an established application in the wide format arena, the skill and creativity it demands still generates enormous interest within the print community. PSPs can sometimes underestimate how accurately this work needs to be performed to meet high quality specifications without compromising on turnaround times."
Any company or individual with some experience of vehicle wrapping can enter a representative. To sign up, please download the application form here. A registration fee of €250.00 is payable but all participants are guaranteed to take home a prize package worth at least €1500.00 even if they do not survive the first round.
If you would like to have your business associated with this event please contact Duncan MacOwan for more information on the opportunities available at: duncan.macowan@fespa.com.
The FESPA Wrap Cup Masters Series comprises eight events over three years. Launched at FESPA 2010 in Munich the Wrap Cup had pit stops at FESPA Americas, FESPA Mexico and at FESPA Digital 2011 in Hamburg. Following FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona, the Wrap Cup's Grand Finale will take place at FESPA 2013 in London, where contenders will go head to head against regional winners to be awarded the ultimate title of FESPA Global Wrap Cup Masters Champion.
Designed to encourage, recognise and promote excellence in the global vehicle wrapping community, the FESPA Wrap Cup Masters Series is a chance for wrapping professionals to be involved in a live competition and gain global recognition for their expertise. Within each competition, a collection of prestigious cars will act as a blank canvas for vinyl mastery. Contenders will be judged on quality and speed using the most advanced materials and techniques, with the goal of impressing a panel of experienced judges.
Skill will be rewarded with valuable prizes which include printers, software, wrap tools, consumables, vinyl vouchers, discounts and much more provided by the sponsors of Wrap Cup, HP, Seat, Leister ISee2, Avery, Roland, MR Clipart, Rigidisc, Rotutech, Knifeless Tech Systems and Eurosystems.
The Wrap Cup 2012 winner will also receive an all expenses paid trip to the FESPA Wrap Cup Masters Final Event at FESPA 2013 (25-29 June, London).
The panel of judges will operate a scoring system designed to place high priority on excellence and precision. Contenders will be given an assigned time to complete their work; wrappers who manage to deliver the best quality car wrap within the deadline will advance to the next round. Through progressive stages, winners will culminate in a daily final and then go on to compete in the Grand Finale on the last day of the show.
FESPA's Head of Events & New Media, Duncan MacOwan comments, "The FESPA Wrap Cup Masters Series is as much fun to watch as it is to take part in and it has proved to be a very successful event that engages both contenders and visitors - the competition is fierce! Although vehicle decoration is quite an established application in the wide format arena, the skill and creativity it demands still generates enormous interest within the print community. PSPs can sometimes underestimate how accurately this work needs to be performed to meet high quality specifications without compromising on turnaround times."
Any company or individual with some experience of vehicle wrapping can enter a representative. To sign up, please download the application form here. A registration fee of €250.00 is payable but all participants are guaranteed to take home a prize package worth at least €1500.00 even if they do not survive the first round.
If you would like to have your business associated with this event please contact Duncan MacOwan for more information on the opportunities available at: duncan.macowan@fespa.com.
FESPA CHEGA AO BRASIL COM O LANÇAMENTO DA FESPA BRASIL 2013
FESPA Brasil irá ocorrer junto com a ExpoPrint Digital para oferecer uma gama abrangente de produtos de impressão
A FESPA está formando uma joint venture com a empresa brasileira de eventos APS, organizadora da ExpoPrint, o maior evento de impressão digital na América Latina. A primeira iniciativa dessa joint venture será o lançamento da FESPA Brasil ao lado da ExpoPrint Digital 2013, que irá ocorrer no Expo Center Norte, em São Paulo, de 13 a 16 de março de 2013.
Ao realizar paralelamente a FESPA Brasil com a ExpoPrint Digital 2013, o evento terá agora um foco duplo. A FESPA Brasil vai oferecer aos visitantes uma mostra abrangente das mais recentes inovações em impressão de grande formato (serigrafia, digital e têxtil), impressão de vestuário e sinalização digital. Já a ExpoPrint Digital continuará a fornecer uma visão geral da impressão transacional, mala direta, impressão de dados variáveis, publicação digital e impressão digital de rótulos e embalagens.
A FESPA Brasil 2013 irá combinar uma exposição de alta qualidade consistente com eventos da FESPA em todo o mundo, com características educacionais fornecidas pela FESPA e adaptadas às necessidades específicas do mercado brasileiro. Características que incluem uma FESPA Brasil Conference, um programa de conteúdo ambiental FESPA Planet Friendly, um FESPA Hall da Fama brasileiro, um evento de decoração de veículos chamado Brazil Wrap Cup e uma mostra de aplicações refletindo o crescimento das aplicações mais interessantes para o mercado latino-americano.
A joint venture entre FESPA e APS fornece para a FESPA 50% de propriedade da FESPA Brasil. A parte dos lucros da FESPA no evento será implantada no programa de reinvestimento mundial FESPA "profit-for-a-cause", para beneficiar a comunidade global de prestadores de serviços de impressão da FESPA.
Neil Felton, diretor-gerente de exposições e eventos da FESPA, explica: "O Brasil é reconhecido como uma das economias de mais rápido desenvolvimento do mundo, e a Copa e os Jogos Olímpicos vão fornecer um enorme impulso a este mercado já vibrante para impressão de grande formato."
"Avaliamos este mercado há vários anos, nos conectando com associações comerciais locais para compreender a oportunidade e a demanda por um evento FESPA. Nós sentimos que este modelo de parceria com um empresário líder na região é o melhor, o que nos permite combinar o conhecimento de mercado e os contatos da APS com a nossa reconhecida competência global no fornecimento de experiências ricas em conteúdo sobre impressoras de grande formato para os visitantes."
A APS é a empresa organizadora da ExpoPrint, evento realizado a cada quatro anos em nome dos associados da Afeigraf. A ExpoPrint atrai mais de 35.000 visitantes. A APS também licencia a marca ExpoPrint para o evento ExpoPrint Digital, que ocorre com maior regularidade.
Neil Felton continua: "A ExpoPrint é uma marca fortemente estabelecida no Brasil, e estamos todos confiantes de que, pela realização paralela da FESPA Brasil com a ExpoPrint Digital, podemos oferecer aos visitantes regionais novas perspectivas. Sabemos que há um apetite forte no Brasil por conteúdo atraente, inspirador e educativo, o que é uma característica muito popular de nossos eventos em outras partes do mundo. "
Alexandre Keese, diretor da APS, complementa: "O mercado vai ficar surpreso com a qualidade da exposição e o conteúdo que a FESPA vai trazer ao Brasil. O visitante vai experimentar uma feira que traz, além de grandes soluções, um conhecimento que auxilia sua vida profissional junto com conferências e outras ações que estamos planejando."
A chegada da FESPA no Brasil acompanha a história de sucesso da organização há cinco anos no México, onde assumiu um evento de comunicação visual estabelecido em 2008, que posteriormente teve um crescimento de 30% sob a marca FESPA Mexico.
A joint venture entre FESPA e APS será dirigida por Neil Felton, diretor-gerente de exposições e eventos da FESPA, e Alexandre Keese, diretor da APS. As vendas brasileiras e operações do evento serão gerenciadas pela equipe brasileira da APS, especificamente por Sandra Keese, gerente de vendas da APS. Já as vendas internacionais e o marketing serão gerenciados pela equipe FESPA do Reino Unido, especificamente por Michael Ryan, gerente de exposição nas Américas, e Lorraine Harrow, gerente de marketing nas Américas, que contará com o auxílio no Brasil de Leandro Causo, coordenador de marketing da APS.
A FESPA está formando uma joint venture com a empresa brasileira de eventos APS, organizadora da ExpoPrint, o maior evento de impressão digital na América Latina. A primeira iniciativa dessa joint venture será o lançamento da FESPA Brasil ao lado da ExpoPrint Digital 2013, que irá ocorrer no Expo Center Norte, em São Paulo, de 13 a 16 de março de 2013.
Ao realizar paralelamente a FESPA Brasil com a ExpoPrint Digital 2013, o evento terá agora um foco duplo. A FESPA Brasil vai oferecer aos visitantes uma mostra abrangente das mais recentes inovações em impressão de grande formato (serigrafia, digital e têxtil), impressão de vestuário e sinalização digital. Já a ExpoPrint Digital continuará a fornecer uma visão geral da impressão transacional, mala direta, impressão de dados variáveis, publicação digital e impressão digital de rótulos e embalagens.
A FESPA Brasil 2013 irá combinar uma exposição de alta qualidade consistente com eventos da FESPA em todo o mundo, com características educacionais fornecidas pela FESPA e adaptadas às necessidades específicas do mercado brasileiro. Características que incluem uma FESPA Brasil Conference, um programa de conteúdo ambiental FESPA Planet Friendly, um FESPA Hall da Fama brasileiro, um evento de decoração de veículos chamado Brazil Wrap Cup e uma mostra de aplicações refletindo o crescimento das aplicações mais interessantes para o mercado latino-americano.
A joint venture entre FESPA e APS fornece para a FESPA 50% de propriedade da FESPA Brasil. A parte dos lucros da FESPA no evento será implantada no programa de reinvestimento mundial FESPA "profit-for-a-cause", para beneficiar a comunidade global de prestadores de serviços de impressão da FESPA.
Neil Felton, diretor-gerente de exposições e eventos da FESPA, explica: "O Brasil é reconhecido como uma das economias de mais rápido desenvolvimento do mundo, e a Copa e os Jogos Olímpicos vão fornecer um enorme impulso a este mercado já vibrante para impressão de grande formato."
"Avaliamos este mercado há vários anos, nos conectando com associações comerciais locais para compreender a oportunidade e a demanda por um evento FESPA. Nós sentimos que este modelo de parceria com um empresário líder na região é o melhor, o que nos permite combinar o conhecimento de mercado e os contatos da APS com a nossa reconhecida competência global no fornecimento de experiências ricas em conteúdo sobre impressoras de grande formato para os visitantes."
A APS é a empresa organizadora da ExpoPrint, evento realizado a cada quatro anos em nome dos associados da Afeigraf. A ExpoPrint atrai mais de 35.000 visitantes. A APS também licencia a marca ExpoPrint para o evento ExpoPrint Digital, que ocorre com maior regularidade.
Neil Felton continua: "A ExpoPrint é uma marca fortemente estabelecida no Brasil, e estamos todos confiantes de que, pela realização paralela da FESPA Brasil com a ExpoPrint Digital, podemos oferecer aos visitantes regionais novas perspectivas. Sabemos que há um apetite forte no Brasil por conteúdo atraente, inspirador e educativo, o que é uma característica muito popular de nossos eventos em outras partes do mundo. "
Alexandre Keese, diretor da APS, complementa: "O mercado vai ficar surpreso com a qualidade da exposição e o conteúdo que a FESPA vai trazer ao Brasil. O visitante vai experimentar uma feira que traz, além de grandes soluções, um conhecimento que auxilia sua vida profissional junto com conferências e outras ações que estamos planejando."
A chegada da FESPA no Brasil acompanha a história de sucesso da organização há cinco anos no México, onde assumiu um evento de comunicação visual estabelecido em 2008, que posteriormente teve um crescimento de 30% sob a marca FESPA Mexico.
A joint venture entre FESPA e APS será dirigida por Neil Felton, diretor-gerente de exposições e eventos da FESPA, e Alexandre Keese, diretor da APS. As vendas brasileiras e operações do evento serão gerenciadas pela equipe brasileira da APS, especificamente por Sandra Keese, gerente de vendas da APS. Já as vendas internacionais e o marketing serão gerenciados pela equipe FESPA do Reino Unido, especificamente por Michael Ryan, gerente de exposição nas Américas, e Lorraine Harrow, gerente de marketing nas Américas, que contará com o auxílio no Brasil de Leandro Causo, coordenador de marketing da APS.
FESPA Brand Moves To Brazil With Launch Of FESPA Brasil 2013
FESPA Brasil to run beside ExpoPrint Digital to offer comprehensive print showcase
FESPA is forming a joint venture with Brazilian event company APS, the organiser of ExpoPrint, the largest digital printing event in Latin America. The joint venture company's first initiative will be to launch FESPA Brasil alongside ExpoPrint Digital 2013, which takes place in Expo Center Norte, São Paulo, from 13-16 March 2013.
By co-locating FESPA Brasil with ExpoPrint Digital 2013, the event will now have a dual focus. FESPA Brasil will offer visitors a comprehensive showcase of the latest innovations in wide format printing (screen, digital and textile), garment printing and digital signage. ExpoPrint Digital will continue to provide an overview of transactional printing, direct mail, variable data printing, digital publishing, digital label and packaging.
FESPA Brasil 2013 will combine a high-quality exhibition consistent with FESPA's events worldwide with educational features delivered by FESPA and tailored to the Brazilian market's specific requirements. These will include a FESPA Brasil Conference, a FESPA Planet Friendly programme of environmental content, a Brazilian FESPA Hall of Fame, a Brazil Wrap Cup vehicle decoration event and an applications showcase reflecting the most exciting growth applications for the Latin-American market.
The joint venture between FESPA and APS gives FESPA 50 per cent ownership of FESPA Brasil. FESPA's share of profits from the event will be deployed as part of FESPA's global 'Profit for Purpose' reinvestment programme, to benefit the global FESPA community of print service providers.
Neil Felton, Managing Director of FESPA Exhibitions and Events explains: "Brazil is recognised as one of the world's most rapidly developing economies, and the FIFA World Cup and Olympics will deliver a huge boost to this already vibrant marketplace for wide format print.
"We've been evaluating this market for several years, and liaising with local trade associations to understand the opportunity and demand for FESPA's event proposition. We feel that this partnership model with a leading show organiser in the region is the best, allowing us to combine APS's Brazilian market knowledge and contacts with our recognised global expertise in delivering content-rich visitor experiences for wide format printers."
APS is the appointed organiser of the main four-yearly ExpoPrint event on behalf of exhibitors association Afeigraf. ExpoPrint attracts over 35,000 visitors. APS also licenses the ExpoPrint brand from the association for its more regular ExpoPrint Digital event.
Neil Felton continues: "ExpoPrint is a strongly established brand in Brazil, and we are all confident that by co-locating FESPA Brasil with ExpoPrint Digital, we can offer regional visitors fresh perspectives. We know there's a strong appetite in Brazil for the compelling educational and inspirational content that is such a popular feature of our events elsewhere in the world."
Alexandre Keese, Director of APS, adds: "The market will be surprised at the quality and content of the exhibition that FESPA will bring to Brazil. The visitor will experience a show of great solutions, gaining knowledge that helps his professional life along with conferences and other actions that we are planning."
FESPA's venture in Brazil follows the organisation's four-year success story in Mexico, where it took over an established visual communications event in 2008, which has subsequently enjoyed 30% growth under the FESPA Mexico brand.
The joint venture between FESPA and APS will be directed by Neil Felton, FESPA's Managing Director of Exhibitions and Events, and APS Director Alexandre Keese. Brazilian sales and event operations will be managed by the local Brazilian APS team, specifically Sales Manager Sandra Keese. International sales and marketing will be managed by the FESPA team from the UK, specifically Americas region Exhibition Manager Michael Ryan and Americas Marketing Manager Lorraine Harrow, who will have the Brazilian assistance of APS Marketing Manager Leandro Causo.
Start Exploring Now With The FESPA Digital 2012 App!
FESPA has launched a brand new app for visitors to FESPA Digital 2012, providing instant access to the most up-to-date event information, trends and features at their fingertips.
Created to assist visitors to explore FESPA Digital and Fabric 2012 before, during and after the event, the app contains a comprehensive overview of event information including travel and accommodation, venue location, opening dates and times, and news about event sponsors.
Aside from general event news, app users have the advantage of receiving more detailed FESPA Digital and FESPA Fabric information. Each event section features exhaustive information including programme schedules for the Explore Conference and Textile Talk Theatre. Users can also access Wrap Cup Series timetables and keep abreast of live screen printing and garment demonstrations happening at Charlie's Corner. For visitors wanting to know more details on the educational programmes, the app comprises a full list of speakers accompanied by biographies and images. Plus, the app gives visitors an insight of what's happening in real-time at the show.
To help visitors make the most of their time at FESPA Digital, the app offers the ability to create a "My Event" diary. By creating a bespoke event programme, the visitor is provided with a personal guide of all the information on exhibition stands, features and theatre sessions they expressed an interest in visiting. "My Event" will send a private notification of all the latest information concerning their agenda and a reminder when their next planned activity is due to begin. Once users have arranged their day, the convenient interactive floor plan will help to navigate the hall. Linked to the map is an exhibitor list which also enables visitors to effortlessly search for company and product information.
The app also features a stream of FESPA's social media platforms including Twitter feeds, the FESPA Facebook and LinkedIn pages and The Wide Network. Set out using a simple dashboard, the social section is the best way to keep up with on-site trends.
The app can be downloaded across all mainstream platforms including Apple, Android and Blackberry devices. The automatic updating system means that users need only download the programme once to receive the latest information.
FESPA's Marketing Manager, Lynda Sutton comments: "As an organisation we aim to connect more effectively with the wide format community in the slickest and most engaging way. Visitors really welcomed our mobile app last year in Hamburg and we're confident that they will appreciate it once again as a valuable resource to enhance their show experience in Barcelona. With rapid adoption of smartphones across Europe, apps are becoming a functional and informative service accessible to almost everyone."
Visitors can download the app via FESPA.com/digital by opening the link on their hand-held device and clicking on the icon to download.
Created to assist visitors to explore FESPA Digital and Fabric 2012 before, during and after the event, the app contains a comprehensive overview of event information including travel and accommodation, venue location, opening dates and times, and news about event sponsors.
Aside from general event news, app users have the advantage of receiving more detailed FESPA Digital and FESPA Fabric information. Each event section features exhaustive information including programme schedules for the Explore Conference and Textile Talk Theatre. Users can also access Wrap Cup Series timetables and keep abreast of live screen printing and garment demonstrations happening at Charlie's Corner. For visitors wanting to know more details on the educational programmes, the app comprises a full list of speakers accompanied by biographies and images. Plus, the app gives visitors an insight of what's happening in real-time at the show.
To help visitors make the most of their time at FESPA Digital, the app offers the ability to create a "My Event" diary. By creating a bespoke event programme, the visitor is provided with a personal guide of all the information on exhibition stands, features and theatre sessions they expressed an interest in visiting. "My Event" will send a private notification of all the latest information concerning their agenda and a reminder when their next planned activity is due to begin. Once users have arranged their day, the convenient interactive floor plan will help to navigate the hall. Linked to the map is an exhibitor list which also enables visitors to effortlessly search for company and product information.
The app also features a stream of FESPA's social media platforms including Twitter feeds, the FESPA Facebook and LinkedIn pages and The Wide Network. Set out using a simple dashboard, the social section is the best way to keep up with on-site trends.
The app can be downloaded across all mainstream platforms including Apple, Android and Blackberry devices. The automatic updating system means that users need only download the programme once to receive the latest information.
FESPA's Marketing Manager, Lynda Sutton comments: "As an organisation we aim to connect more effectively with the wide format community in the slickest and most engaging way. Visitors really welcomed our mobile app last year in Hamburg and we're confident that they will appreciate it once again as a valuable resource to enhance their show experience in Barcelona. With rapid adoption of smartphones across Europe, apps are becoming a functional and informative service accessible to almost everyone."
Visitors can download the app via FESPA.com/digital by opening the link on their hand-held device and clicking on the icon to download.
3D Printing via the FESPA Wrap Rally II
For the FESPA Wrap Rally II, the team will be visiting two different perspectives from the 3d printing cycle. Esteemed professor Neil Hopkinson is the first. Neil is Professor of Manufacturing and Engineering at the University of Sheffield and his research on 3d printing using the inkjet process is really making waves in the manufacturing and printing industries alike. Never before has it been possible to print 3d objects with real practicality for everyday life using inkjet.....
Read more...
See other news and information on the rally at www.fespawraprally.com
Read more...
See other news and information on the rally at www.fespawraprally.com
Who Will Be Hall Of Fame’s First Printer Of The Year At FESPA Digital 2012? Vote Now!
FESPA's inaugural Hall of Fame, intended to be the 'who's who' of the leading lights in the print community from all over the world, has had over 300 nominations across 37 countries to date. FESPA is inviting everyone to vote for the opportunity to see their printing 'hero' featured in the Hall of Fame at FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona (21-24 February 2012).
Nominees might have pioneered a new approach or technology, or demonstrated innovation in other ways. They may simply stand out on print skill or service, for a leading stance on sustainability, or have made some other significant contribution to the industry. Based on the online votes, FESPA will narrow down a shortlist of up to ten printing innovators per country who their peers hold up as inspirational role models in the print community.
The final shortlist of nominees will be honoured at FESPA Digital in Barcelona in the form of a 20 metre Hall of Fame 'gallery of stars' located in the entrance hallway of Fira de Barcelona Exhibition centre. This is where exhibition visitors will have the opportunity to vote for the outright winner of the Printer of the Year 2012.
Every shortlisted printer will receive VIP status to attend FESPA Digital 2012, and will also benefit from privileged invitations to future FESPA VIP events such as Global Summits. The recipient of this prestigious accolade will be announced at a champagne VIP reception for the Hall of Fame printers on the FESPA stand 315a at 2pm on the last day of FESPA Digital 2012.
The country with the leading number of nominations so far is Germany with 30 printing 'heroes', followed by UK (22) and India (21).
To see the list of nominees and vote, visit www.Fespa.com/halloffame. If the list is missing someone you believe should be included, get voting now. Monday 6th February is the last day to nominate your printing idol before the shortlist process gets underway.
FESPA Managing Director Neil Felton comments: "The number and calibre of nominations in our first FESPA Hall of Fame is impressive, it will be a very difficult shortlisting process! Our aim is to celebrate people, not particular jobs or campaigns, printing companies, or new technological innovations. It's rare for the individual print professionals who drive this community to be recognised for their unique and personal contribution. The Hall of Fame will be a celebration of printers who their peers hold up as inspirational role models."
Nominees might have pioneered a new approach or technology, or demonstrated innovation in other ways. They may simply stand out on print skill or service, for a leading stance on sustainability, or have made some other significant contribution to the industry. Based on the online votes, FESPA will narrow down a shortlist of up to ten printing innovators per country who their peers hold up as inspirational role models in the print community.
The final shortlist of nominees will be honoured at FESPA Digital in Barcelona in the form of a 20 metre Hall of Fame 'gallery of stars' located in the entrance hallway of Fira de Barcelona Exhibition centre. This is where exhibition visitors will have the opportunity to vote for the outright winner of the Printer of the Year 2012.
Every shortlisted printer will receive VIP status to attend FESPA Digital 2012, and will also benefit from privileged invitations to future FESPA VIP events such as Global Summits. The recipient of this prestigious accolade will be announced at a champagne VIP reception for the Hall of Fame printers on the FESPA stand 315a at 2pm on the last day of FESPA Digital 2012.
The country with the leading number of nominations so far is Germany with 30 printing 'heroes', followed by UK (22) and India (21).
To see the list of nominees and vote, visit www.Fespa.com/halloffame. If the list is missing someone you believe should be included, get voting now. Monday 6th February is the last day to nominate your printing idol before the shortlist process gets underway.
FESPA Managing Director Neil Felton comments: "The number and calibre of nominations in our first FESPA Hall of Fame is impressive, it will be a very difficult shortlisting process! Our aim is to celebrate people, not particular jobs or campaigns, printing companies, or new technological innovations. It's rare for the individual print professionals who drive this community to be recognised for their unique and personal contribution. The Hall of Fame will be a celebration of printers who their peers hold up as inspirational role models."
Edale achieves Esko HD Flexo certification
UK narrow web flexo press manufacturer joins growing list of vendors to gain quality recognition.
Gent (Belgium), January 2012 – Esko’s (www.esko.com) successful HD Flexo certification process continues to win industry approval with narrow web flexo press manufacturer Edale as the latest company to achieve the certification. The £8m turnover Hampshire operation specializes in the design and manufacture of a number of presses including the Alpha, Beta, Gamma and FL-350 models, alongside its range of converting machinery the FDC-510, flatbed die cutting machine, the Lambda and the variable length sheet cutter the VLS-650. Edale achieved certification for its FL-350 and Gamma flexo presses as part of its continued commitment to improvement. It hopes to certify all its presses with the Alpha compact press and the Beta modular press next.
“We decided to gain HD Flexo certification because as a forward thinking business, Edale is constantly striving to improve the quality of flexo printing. Working with the Esko HD Flexo solution, we are pushing the boundaries for the highest quality printing results," states Jeremy Westcott, Edale’s Sales and Marketing Director. “The reduction in size of the smallest printable dot helps to achieve a finish far and above the traditional flexo methods. The images we can produce are much cleaner, sharper and more defined.”
Pushing the boundaries with HD Flexo certifcation
Edale recognizes the end user is always aiming to achieve increased quality and design in a competitive marketplace. With the HD Flexo certification, the company can assure this is delivered. Westcott adds: “Combining an Edale press with HD Flexo, we are really pushing the boundaries of flexo printing. The quicker make-ready time and greater run-lengths from the plates works in parallel with Edale's ethos of manufacturing presses that focus on minimum downtime and wastage, with a quicker time to market due to the simplified prepress. The richness of the image and the contrasting tones it can achieve, helps to keep flexo in the running with end results rivalling those of other technologies. When trialling machines to potential customers, the results we can show them are undoubtedly more impressive using this method.”
The rigorous certification process requires vendors and partners to consistently produce ten different print samples from five different jobs. Annual renew ensures print quality is maintained in line with market developments. Vendors also need to certify each product individually, but once the initial certification has been obtained, subsequent applications are faster and easier.
About Esko (www.esko.com)
Esko is a global supplier of integrated solutions for packaging, sign and display finishing, commercial printing and professional publishing. Esko products and services help customers raise productivity, reduce time-to-market, lower costs and expand business and improve profitability.
Portfolio
Esko is the worldwide market leader with software for artwork creation, structural design, pre-production, workflow automation, quality assurance and online collaboration. Esko solutions support and manage the packaging and print processes at brand owners, retailers, designers and packaging manufacturers.
CDI flexo computer-to-plate imagers and Kongsberg digital finishing systems complete the portfolio for the packaging, label, signage and display industries.
Enfocus, with its suite of PDF tools for graphic designers and print production professionals, is part of Esko.
Facts & numbers
Esko employs around 1200 people worldwide. Its direct sales and service organization covers Europe, the Americas and the Asia Pacific region, completed by a network of distribution partners in more than 50 countries.
Esko is headquartered in Gent, Belgium, and has R&D and manufacturing facilities in five European countries, the United States, China and India.
Gent (Belgium), January 2012 – Esko’s (www.esko.com) successful HD Flexo certification process continues to win industry approval with narrow web flexo press manufacturer Edale as the latest company to achieve the certification. The £8m turnover Hampshire operation specializes in the design and manufacture of a number of presses including the Alpha, Beta, Gamma and FL-350 models, alongside its range of converting machinery the FDC-510, flatbed die cutting machine, the Lambda and the variable length sheet cutter the VLS-650. Edale achieved certification for its FL-350 and Gamma flexo presses as part of its continued commitment to improvement. It hopes to certify all its presses with the Alpha compact press and the Beta modular press next.
“We decided to gain HD Flexo certification because as a forward thinking business, Edale is constantly striving to improve the quality of flexo printing. Working with the Esko HD Flexo solution, we are pushing the boundaries for the highest quality printing results," states Jeremy Westcott, Edale’s Sales and Marketing Director. “The reduction in size of the smallest printable dot helps to achieve a finish far and above the traditional flexo methods. The images we can produce are much cleaner, sharper and more defined.”
Pushing the boundaries with HD Flexo certifcation
Edale recognizes the end user is always aiming to achieve increased quality and design in a competitive marketplace. With the HD Flexo certification, the company can assure this is delivered. Westcott adds: “Combining an Edale press with HD Flexo, we are really pushing the boundaries of flexo printing. The quicker make-ready time and greater run-lengths from the plates works in parallel with Edale's ethos of manufacturing presses that focus on minimum downtime and wastage, with a quicker time to market due to the simplified prepress. The richness of the image and the contrasting tones it can achieve, helps to keep flexo in the running with end results rivalling those of other technologies. When trialling machines to potential customers, the results we can show them are undoubtedly more impressive using this method.”
The rigorous certification process requires vendors and partners to consistently produce ten different print samples from five different jobs. Annual renew ensures print quality is maintained in line with market developments. Vendors also need to certify each product individually, but once the initial certification has been obtained, subsequent applications are faster and easier.
About Esko (www.esko.com)
Esko is a global supplier of integrated solutions for packaging, sign and display finishing, commercial printing and professional publishing. Esko products and services help customers raise productivity, reduce time-to-market, lower costs and expand business and improve profitability.
Portfolio
Esko is the worldwide market leader with software for artwork creation, structural design, pre-production, workflow automation, quality assurance and online collaboration. Esko solutions support and manage the packaging and print processes at brand owners, retailers, designers and packaging manufacturers.
CDI flexo computer-to-plate imagers and Kongsberg digital finishing systems complete the portfolio for the packaging, label, signage and display industries.
Enfocus, with its suite of PDF tools for graphic designers and print production professionals, is part of Esko.
Facts & numbers
Esko employs around 1200 people worldwide. Its direct sales and service organization covers Europe, the Americas and the Asia Pacific region, completed by a network of distribution partners in more than 50 countries.
Esko is headquartered in Gent, Belgium, and has R&D and manufacturing facilities in five European countries, the United States, China and India.
'Design to print to cut' with Esko at FESPA Digital 2012
Kongsberg tables and i-cut Suite demonstrate unmatched end-to-end sign and display graphics workflow efficiencies
Gent (Belgium), January 2012 - At FESPA Digital, Esko (www.esko.com) will showcase its 'design to print to cut' solutions that streamline the entire workflow, including the printing and finishing of sign and display applications. Featured at the show are the Kongsberg i-XP24 and Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto. Combined with i-cut Suite including the newly launched i-cut Automate, these end-to-end solutions deliver the most versatile equipment for the digital finishing of signs and displays. Esko will be located in Hall 3 stand H5 at the show, being held in Barcelona from 21 to 24 February.
Enjoy automatic savings with i-cut Suite Automate
i-cut Automate automates the entire production process to ultimately reduce costs. With i-cut Automate, users can quickly build dynamic workflows that automate repetitive prepress tasks, reducing operator intervention and errors. As well as time and money, it also saves materials in the production process.
i-cut Automate is the latest addition to Esko's successful i-cut Suite - an integrated solution designed to streamline the entire sign and display manufacturing workflow, from design to print to cut. i-cut Suite includes workflow automation and editing tools that specifically support die-less digital finishing. It comprises of three core modules: i-cut Preflight to check incoming PDF data; i-cut Layout to handle the layout and nesting of sheet layouts and i-cut Vision Pro to ensure die-less cutting contours perfectly match the printed images.
"Printers increasingly understand the need for an integrated and automated workflow. To handle the larger number of shorter runs and wider job mix now typical of the market, they require solutions that remove time-consuming labor from the work process and cost-efficiently enhance throughput capacity," says Armand Gougay, Esko Vice President EMEA. He points out that prepress workflow solutions are an especially important element of a successful future for sign and display companies: "With i-cut Suite, potential production issues are caught and resolved at the beginning of the workflow, resulting in a smooth manufacturing process. The ability to nest and automate the entire workflow are just some of the benefits that create efficiency gains for companies of all sizes, even small print shops."
Dedicated solutions delivering production improvements
Taking center stage at Esko's FESPA Digital stand is the Kongsberg i-XP24 with sheet feeder, the market's leading digital finishing solution specifically designed to deliver unsurpassed productivity and perfect registration. The Kongsberg i-XP24 is equipped with i-cut camera-based registration. It also has multiple quick-change cutting tools that allow manufacturers to easily handle a variety of materials.
Esko will also highlight its Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto, fully automated, die-less digital finishing solution, designed as the perfect finishing complement to any digital print operation. Specifically created with the growing demand for finishing of small-format, short-run digitally printed material in mind, it can work alongside any small-format or medium-sized digital press to deliver the industry's most efficient sign and display graphics production solution.
Robust solutions for a versatile operation
Esko's versatile digital finishing solutions are unique in the industry. They enable customers to implement the most robust, productive and responsive workflow possible. "As a key growth market in the industry, the signs and displays and also the digital packaging segment offers exciting opportunities for manufacturers," concludes Gougay. "Companies investing in solutions for the entire workflow - including design, printing and cutting - are those that will benefit most. Our stand at FESPA Digital will clearly demonstrate Esko's commitment to delivering low cost, simple entry-level functionality for PDF preflight and layout with exceptional productivity efficiencies, from the designer's workstation all the way through to the finishing table. By adding even more automation to the process with i-cut Automate, customers are positioning themselves as formidable competitors within the market space."
FESPA Partnership
Just as last year, FESPA has again chosen Esko as its exclusive Global Software & Finishing Partner. In addition, Esko has been selected as software and digital finishing partner for the Print Shop Live, a fully functional printing operation showcasing a full end-to-end workflow from design software, to RIP solutions, multiple output devices using different print technologies and finishing - all on the widest possible range of media. Esko will demonstrate the capabilities of its Kongsberg i-XE10 digital finishing solution and i-cut Suite software. The other partners are ONYX, GMG Color, Epson, Mutoh and Ilford Biomedia. Guided tours by inkjet expert Sophie Matthews-Paul will highlight the advantages of the technologies on show and how they integrate effectively.
Gent (Belgium), January 2012 - At FESPA Digital, Esko (www.esko.com) will showcase its 'design to print to cut' solutions that streamline the entire workflow, including the printing and finishing of sign and display applications. Featured at the show are the Kongsberg i-XP24 and Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto. Combined with i-cut Suite including the newly launched i-cut Automate, these end-to-end solutions deliver the most versatile equipment for the digital finishing of signs and displays. Esko will be located in Hall 3 stand H5 at the show, being held in Barcelona from 21 to 24 February.
Enjoy automatic savings with i-cut Suite Automate
i-cut Automate automates the entire production process to ultimately reduce costs. With i-cut Automate, users can quickly build dynamic workflows that automate repetitive prepress tasks, reducing operator intervention and errors. As well as time and money, it also saves materials in the production process.
i-cut Automate is the latest addition to Esko's successful i-cut Suite - an integrated solution designed to streamline the entire sign and display manufacturing workflow, from design to print to cut. i-cut Suite includes workflow automation and editing tools that specifically support die-less digital finishing. It comprises of three core modules: i-cut Preflight to check incoming PDF data; i-cut Layout to handle the layout and nesting of sheet layouts and i-cut Vision Pro to ensure die-less cutting contours perfectly match the printed images.
"Printers increasingly understand the need for an integrated and automated workflow. To handle the larger number of shorter runs and wider job mix now typical of the market, they require solutions that remove time-consuming labor from the work process and cost-efficiently enhance throughput capacity," says Armand Gougay, Esko Vice President EMEA. He points out that prepress workflow solutions are an especially important element of a successful future for sign and display companies: "With i-cut Suite, potential production issues are caught and resolved at the beginning of the workflow, resulting in a smooth manufacturing process. The ability to nest and automate the entire workflow are just some of the benefits that create efficiency gains for companies of all sizes, even small print shops."
Dedicated solutions delivering production improvements
Taking center stage at Esko's FESPA Digital stand is the Kongsberg i-XP24 with sheet feeder, the market's leading digital finishing solution specifically designed to deliver unsurpassed productivity and perfect registration. The Kongsberg i-XP24 is equipped with i-cut camera-based registration. It also has multiple quick-change cutting tools that allow manufacturers to easily handle a variety of materials.
Esko will also highlight its Kongsberg i-XE10 Auto, fully automated, die-less digital finishing solution, designed as the perfect finishing complement to any digital print operation. Specifically created with the growing demand for finishing of small-format, short-run digitally printed material in mind, it can work alongside any small-format or medium-sized digital press to deliver the industry's most efficient sign and display graphics production solution.
Robust solutions for a versatile operation
Esko's versatile digital finishing solutions are unique in the industry. They enable customers to implement the most robust, productive and responsive workflow possible. "As a key growth market in the industry, the signs and displays and also the digital packaging segment offers exciting opportunities for manufacturers," concludes Gougay. "Companies investing in solutions for the entire workflow - including design, printing and cutting - are those that will benefit most. Our stand at FESPA Digital will clearly demonstrate Esko's commitment to delivering low cost, simple entry-level functionality for PDF preflight and layout with exceptional productivity efficiencies, from the designer's workstation all the way through to the finishing table. By adding even more automation to the process with i-cut Automate, customers are positioning themselves as formidable competitors within the market space."
FESPA Partnership
Just as last year, FESPA has again chosen Esko as its exclusive Global Software & Finishing Partner. In addition, Esko has been selected as software and digital finishing partner for the Print Shop Live, a fully functional printing operation showcasing a full end-to-end workflow from design software, to RIP solutions, multiple output devices using different print technologies and finishing - all on the widest possible range of media. Esko will demonstrate the capabilities of its Kongsberg i-XE10 digital finishing solution and i-cut Suite software. The other partners are ONYX, GMG Color, Epson, Mutoh and Ilford Biomedia. Guided tours by inkjet expert Sophie Matthews-Paul will highlight the advantages of the technologies on show and how they integrate effectively.
The FESPA Hall of Fame invites you to VOTE for your all-time favourite printer.
The FESPA Hall of Fame intends to become a 'who's who' of the leading lights in the print community and who better to make this decision than the print community itself!
Nominees might have pioneered a new approach or technology, or demonstrated innovation in other ways. They may simply stand out on print skill or service, for a leading stance on sustainability, or have made some other significant contribution to the industry.
Visit www.fespa.com/halloffame and make your vote today!
Based on the online votes, FESPA will narrow down a shortlist of up to ten printers per country. Voting for the outright leader will then continue onsite at FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona (21-24 February 2012), in the form of a gallery of stars located in the entrance hallway. The 20 metre display will highlight the names of printers from all over the world who their peers hold up as inspirational role models in the print community.
These shortlisted printers will each automatically receive VIP status to attend FESPA Digital 2012, and will also benefit from privileged invitations to future FESPA VIP events such as Global Summits.
The winner of this prestigious accolade will be announced at a champagne VIP reception at 14.00 at the FESPA stand B15 where they will be crown Printer of the year 2012.
To find out more and to vote for your print hero visit www.fespa.com/halloffame
Nominees might have pioneered a new approach or technology, or demonstrated innovation in other ways. They may simply stand out on print skill or service, for a leading stance on sustainability, or have made some other significant contribution to the industry.
Visit www.fespa.com/halloffame and make your vote today!
Based on the online votes, FESPA will narrow down a shortlist of up to ten printers per country. Voting for the outright leader will then continue onsite at FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona (21-24 February 2012), in the form of a gallery of stars located in the entrance hallway. The 20 metre display will highlight the names of printers from all over the world who their peers hold up as inspirational role models in the print community.
These shortlisted printers will each automatically receive VIP status to attend FESPA Digital 2012, and will also benefit from privileged invitations to future FESPA VIP events such as Global Summits.
The winner of this prestigious accolade will be announced at a champagne VIP reception at 14.00 at the FESPA stand B15 where they will be crown Printer of the year 2012.
To find out more and to vote for your print hero visit www.fespa.com/halloffame
Explore Wider Garment Opportunities And Enter The FESPA Fabric 2012 T-Shirt Competition
FESPA is offering one innovative individual or business the chance to have their design showcased as the official FESPA Fabric 2012 t-shirt.
This new competition is part of FESPA Fabric, the 'show within a show' at FESPA Digital 2012 (Barcelona, 21-24 February). One lucky winner will have their design printed and available at the show, as well as winning £100 worth of Amazon.com vouchers.
As a printer, the opportunities to diversify into t-shirt design are endless, so get your creative juices flowing and upload your designs to www.fespa.com/fabric. Your winning design could be a part of FESPA history.
The only specification of the competition is that the design needs to include the distinctive images of FESPA Fabric 2012 - the FESPA Fabric 2012 logo, the FESPA Fabric camper van, and the black-and-white FESPA Fabric icon depicting a girl with angel wings.
FESPA Fabric will occupy nearly 10 per cent of the total floor space of the FESPA Digital 2012 event. The inspirational mix of educational content and review of latest apparel trends and technology developments offers garment printers and decorators new business ideas and revenue opportunities.
FESPA Fabric Marketing Manager Lynda Sutton comments: "This t-shirt competition is open to everyone as we welcome all creative ideas. FESPA's aim with FESPA Fabric is to create a learning environment to inspire garment decorators and printers, as well as apparel brand owners, to take hold of new opportunities to help grow their bottom line. At FESPA Fabric, you can map out your own route to success and visit our packed programme of live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, side shows, seminars and of course the show floor exhibits."
If you would like to get involved, please fill in the form and submit a JPEG file to: http://www.fespa.com/fabric/en/component/rsform/form/7-the-fespa-fabric-t-shirt-design-competition.html. Closing deadline is January 31st 2012.
This new competition is part of FESPA Fabric, the 'show within a show' at FESPA Digital 2012 (Barcelona, 21-24 February). One lucky winner will have their design printed and available at the show, as well as winning £100 worth of Amazon.com vouchers.
As a printer, the opportunities to diversify into t-shirt design are endless, so get your creative juices flowing and upload your designs to www.fespa.com/fabric. Your winning design could be a part of FESPA history.
The only specification of the competition is that the design needs to include the distinctive images of FESPA Fabric 2012 - the FESPA Fabric 2012 logo, the FESPA Fabric camper van, and the black-and-white FESPA Fabric icon depicting a girl with angel wings.
FESPA Fabric will occupy nearly 10 per cent of the total floor space of the FESPA Digital 2012 event. The inspirational mix of educational content and review of latest apparel trends and technology developments offers garment printers and decorators new business ideas and revenue opportunities.
FESPA Fabric Marketing Manager Lynda Sutton comments: "This t-shirt competition is open to everyone as we welcome all creative ideas. FESPA's aim with FESPA Fabric is to create a learning environment to inspire garment decorators and printers, as well as apparel brand owners, to take hold of new opportunities to help grow their bottom line. At FESPA Fabric, you can map out your own route to success and visit our packed programme of live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, side shows, seminars and of course the show floor exhibits."
If you would like to get involved, please fill in the form and submit a JPEG file to: http://www.fespa.com/fabric/en/component/rsform/form/7-the-fespa-fabric-t-shirt-design-competition.html. Closing deadline is January 31st 2012.
FESPA Wrap Rally II on the Road to Barcelona for Digital 2012
A crack team of FESPA employees are preparing for FESPA Digital 2012 by embarking on the second Wrap Rally journey, this time from London to Barcelona. Commencing on 12th February 2012, Richard Kensett, Rob Older and Chris Rimer will embark on a seven day print adventure through Europe to find and film the best examples of innovative digital print technologies and applications.
Covering a distance of over 2,400 Kilometres, visiting 11 cites and 4 countries in only 7 days with a film crew in tow, the FESPA team will travel in a wrapped motorhome wrapped in a design chosen by the FESPA global community. There will be a choice of three eye-catching Wrap Rally designs which are up for public vote. For the opportunity to get involved in the Wrap Rally II, visit www.fespawraprally.com and place your vote now.
As part of Wrap Rally II, the print explorer's journey to Barcelona kicks off in the UK via Belgium, France, Switzerland and Spain where they will be tasked to challenge printers to "Explore the Wider Opportunities". Sponsored by HP (Platinum sponsor) and Hexis (Gold sponsor), the Wrap Rally II will finish up on the 21st February when the giant wrapped motorhome, emblazoned with the winning design rolls up to the doors of Fira de Barcelona Gran Via exhibition centre for FESPA Digital 2012.
Printers interested in meeting up with the FESPA Wrap Rally II team or just following their progress along the way can follow their route online through the interactive map on www.fespawraprally.com.
Richard, Rob and Chris will keep the digital community updated throughout their journey with unique examples of the wider opportunities of print along the way through real-time content including; webinars, videos, interviews, photographs, blogs and crucially across FESPA's social media platforms. Follow their updates via Facebook and Twitter (@fespa) as their print adventure to FESPA Digital progresses. And visit FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona (February 21-24, 2012) to explore the wider opportunities of print.
Covering a distance of over 2,400 Kilometres, visiting 11 cites and 4 countries in only 7 days with a film crew in tow, the FESPA team will travel in a wrapped motorhome wrapped in a design chosen by the FESPA global community. There will be a choice of three eye-catching Wrap Rally designs which are up for public vote. For the opportunity to get involved in the Wrap Rally II, visit www.fespawraprally.com and place your vote now.
As part of Wrap Rally II, the print explorer's journey to Barcelona kicks off in the UK via Belgium, France, Switzerland and Spain where they will be tasked to challenge printers to "Explore the Wider Opportunities". Sponsored by HP (Platinum sponsor) and Hexis (Gold sponsor), the Wrap Rally II will finish up on the 21st February when the giant wrapped motorhome, emblazoned with the winning design rolls up to the doors of Fira de Barcelona Gran Via exhibition centre for FESPA Digital 2012.
Printers interested in meeting up with the FESPA Wrap Rally II team or just following their progress along the way can follow their route online through the interactive map on www.fespawraprally.com.
Richard, Rob and Chris will keep the digital community updated throughout their journey with unique examples of the wider opportunities of print along the way through real-time content including; webinars, videos, interviews, photographs, blogs and crucially across FESPA's social media platforms. Follow their updates via Facebook and Twitter (@fespa) as their print adventure to FESPA Digital progresses. And visit FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona (February 21-24, 2012) to explore the wider opportunities of print.
FESPA's Economy Survey 5 Shows Printers Looking to Diversify their Business in 2012
The latest FESPA Economy Survey has revealed that 70% of respondents are looking to diversify their business to improve business growth. The top areas in which print service providers (PSPs) plan to develop into are interiors (17.4%), label printing (16.67%) and signage (15.53%).
Over half believe that the market has not fully recovered (52.44%) but the outlook of printers remains optimistic despite the challenging environment, with three quarters of respondents believing that the market will grow in 2012, with an average expected growth of 14.5% across the year for their business.
Reflecting on 2011 end of year sales, 20.4% of respondents said they were better than expected, a fifth said they were better than 2010, and 40% reported that they have done as expected.
The Economy Survey was commissioned by FESPA and carried out by its research partner InfoTrends on behalf of its global wide format community. As part of FESPA's Profit for Purpose reinvestment programme, the main objective of the survey is to collect valuable insight into market trends and gauge business outlook for 2012 and beyond. The information was gathered from 225 respondents who are engaged in wide format printing from across the world.
Over half of those who took part in the survey were printers (52.9%); one fifth were resellers and 10.2% manufacturers. Europe dominated the survey's geographical split with over half of respondents (57.3%) located in the region, followed by North America, Asia, Africa, South America and Middle East respectively.
According to FESPA's Economy Survey 5, a third (33.3%) of respondents said that the primary reason for investing in a new wide format printer would be to accommodate different media and/or a wider range of applications with output quality and running costs being the other top criteria. A UV-curable inkjet printer was the highest area of investment (50%), followed by latex or another durable aqueous inkjet printer (31.6%).
62.7% of respondents indicated that 'green' printing, or printing using more environmentally-friendly practices has seen an increase in demand as a service, with over one fifth planning to invest in an eco-or light solvent printer. Over a third (36.9%) also cited seeing a rise in customer demand in applications requiring white ink printing, 35.6% in versioning/variable data printing and 23.1% in printing QR codes or other interactive elements.
Printers believe that there are some challenges within the area of digital signage, with 80% of respondents believing that digital displays has, is or will impact on wide format digital print applications. Of the 80%, impact on POP graphics was deemed to be greatest (23.3%), followed by billboards, backlit, and vehicle graphics respectively.
FESPA Managing Director Neil Felton comments: "We know that our global wide format community look forward to the findings and emerging trends identified in the FESPA Economy Survey. It is heartening that our 5th Economic Survey results show that PSPs have optimism in their own entrepreneurialism. It is a very positive sign that over 70% of respondents plan to diversify their business to increase their bottom line. This commercial intelligence will inevitably stand PSPs in good stead over the forthcoming year."
He continued: "The findings are also encouraging for the FESPA Digital 2012 event that will enable PSPs to 'Explore the Wider Opportunities'. As our campaign collateral says, 'business is a journey' with challenges and opportunities along the way. No printer needs to feel they are at a standstill; there are proactive business decisions they can consider, for example, can they try to implement new technologies or processes, diversify into different wide format applications, experiment with new substrates and inks, develop new services or business models, increase automation, offer more complete end-to-end solutions, or even move into entirely new market segments.
With 400 exhibitors in a single giant hall, and the charismatic city of Barcelona as the backdrop, a visit to FESPA Digital 2012 is guaranteed to give wide format print service providers all the information and insight they need to plan the next stage of their own journey and build their business."
The full FESPA/InfoTrends Economy Survey 5 is available as a benefit to members of FESPA affiliated associations, visit www.fespa.com to find out about your national association.
Over half believe that the market has not fully recovered (52.44%) but the outlook of printers remains optimistic despite the challenging environment, with three quarters of respondents believing that the market will grow in 2012, with an average expected growth of 14.5% across the year for their business.
Reflecting on 2011 end of year sales, 20.4% of respondents said they were better than expected, a fifth said they were better than 2010, and 40% reported that they have done as expected.
The Economy Survey was commissioned by FESPA and carried out by its research partner InfoTrends on behalf of its global wide format community. As part of FESPA's Profit for Purpose reinvestment programme, the main objective of the survey is to collect valuable insight into market trends and gauge business outlook for 2012 and beyond. The information was gathered from 225 respondents who are engaged in wide format printing from across the world.
Over half of those who took part in the survey were printers (52.9%); one fifth were resellers and 10.2% manufacturers. Europe dominated the survey's geographical split with over half of respondents (57.3%) located in the region, followed by North America, Asia, Africa, South America and Middle East respectively.
According to FESPA's Economy Survey 5, a third (33.3%) of respondents said that the primary reason for investing in a new wide format printer would be to accommodate different media and/or a wider range of applications with output quality and running costs being the other top criteria. A UV-curable inkjet printer was the highest area of investment (50%), followed by latex or another durable aqueous inkjet printer (31.6%).
62.7% of respondents indicated that 'green' printing, or printing using more environmentally-friendly practices has seen an increase in demand as a service, with over one fifth planning to invest in an eco-or light solvent printer. Over a third (36.9%) also cited seeing a rise in customer demand in applications requiring white ink printing, 35.6% in versioning/variable data printing and 23.1% in printing QR codes or other interactive elements.
Printers believe that there are some challenges within the area of digital signage, with 80% of respondents believing that digital displays has, is or will impact on wide format digital print applications. Of the 80%, impact on POP graphics was deemed to be greatest (23.3%), followed by billboards, backlit, and vehicle graphics respectively.
FESPA Managing Director Neil Felton comments: "We know that our global wide format community look forward to the findings and emerging trends identified in the FESPA Economy Survey. It is heartening that our 5th Economic Survey results show that PSPs have optimism in their own entrepreneurialism. It is a very positive sign that over 70% of respondents plan to diversify their business to increase their bottom line. This commercial intelligence will inevitably stand PSPs in good stead over the forthcoming year."
He continued: "The findings are also encouraging for the FESPA Digital 2012 event that will enable PSPs to 'Explore the Wider Opportunities'. As our campaign collateral says, 'business is a journey' with challenges and opportunities along the way. No printer needs to feel they are at a standstill; there are proactive business decisions they can consider, for example, can they try to implement new technologies or processes, diversify into different wide format applications, experiment with new substrates and inks, develop new services or business models, increase automation, offer more complete end-to-end solutions, or even move into entirely new market segments.
With 400 exhibitors in a single giant hall, and the charismatic city of Barcelona as the backdrop, a visit to FESPA Digital 2012 is guaranteed to give wide format print service providers all the information and insight they need to plan the next stage of their own journey and build their business."
The full FESPA/InfoTrends Economy Survey 5 is available as a benefit to members of FESPA affiliated associations, visit www.fespa.com to find out about your national association.
FESPA to expand global reach of Planet Friendly Printing
FESPA – the global federation of national print associations – has recently announced that it will expand the global reach of its long-running Planet Friendly Printing initiatives.
Since 2007 FESPA has published the Planet Friendly Printing Guide which interprets and distils the myriad regulations and certification schemes pertaining to environmental best practice for printers and offers detailed advice on environmental management. The Planet Friendly Printing Guide has been updated several times each year since its first publication in 2009 – which gives an indication of how swiftly things have moved within the sphere of sustainability.
To date, the Planet Friendly Printing Guide has only been available to members of FESPA's 37 member associations. The latest version of the guide will remain exclusive to FESPA members; however, in recognition that sustainability is a pressing issue for all printers, FESPA will make an abridged version of the guide available to non-member printers around the world.
In addition to the valuable advice and guidance offered in the Planet Friendly Printing Guide, FESPA will be extending the availability of the insights and advice on pursuing sustainable printing which has been a strong feature of all FESPA's recent content-led events – such as the FESPA Global Summit 2010, the FESPA Planet Friendly Summit 2010 and the FESPA Global Summit 2011. FESPA has explored more than 40 aspects of sustainability in its research over the last five years, and delivered more than 50 presentations in four continents on the topic.
Presentations on sustainability from global experts, certified sustainable printers, suppliers to the PSP community, and its customers such as top-ten global creative agency Ogilvy and brand owners such as Unilever, Nike and others are now available to all without charge on www.fespa.com.
FESPA is making these resources available to the global print community to promote understanding of the key drivers for adopting sustainable practices, and the routes to ensure our businesses become more planet-friendly. These resources will be complimented not only by the continued offering of insight and advice on sustainability at FESPA's events, and an increased offering of advice and consultation on www.fespa.com via webinars and other online resources.
FESPA Digital 2012 will see a comprehensive Planet Friendly Printing programme on offer to PSPs – featuring:
• Presentations from global experts such as Paul Machin;
• Case studies from printers who are enjoying improved business results due to adopting sustainable practices such as Simon Pless of Erler & Pless;
• Workshops on pursuing certification under schemes such as ISO 14001 and EMAS, led by accredited assessors; and
• Consultation in the FESPA Planet Friendly Printing Clinic.
All these resources are available to printers free-of-charge at FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona from February 21-24, 2012. Look out for the dates of Planet Friendly Printing webinars on FESPA.com soon, as well as the 'ask the expert' facility.
Planet Friendly Printing is another facet of FESPA's reinvestment programme, which has already seen more than three million Euros reinvested in various initiatives to support printers over the last seven years, explains FESPA Head of Events & New Media Duncan MacOwan, who is steering the Planet Friendly Printing programme development.
"The development of fresh initiatives under the Planet Friendly Printing banner recognises the ongoing significance of sustainability to our global print community, and its reprioritisation by PSPs and their customers as we gradually emerge from global recession."
He continues: "Sustainability is far from being a topic for dark green 'eco-champions'. Sustainable print capabilities are a decisive factor for many print buyers when selecting a PSP, and as the corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda matures, so demand for environmentally responsible print will increase. What's more, environmental best practice is often economical best practice, particularly when it comes to energy saving and prudent materials and waste management, so there are immediate commercial gains to be made from 'going green."
FESPA's Managing Director, Neil Felton comments: "Navigating the route to sustainability can be challenging as printers looking to avoid greenwash and empty claims by commercial entities seek impartial advice on how to become more planet friendly in their business activities.
"The issue of sustainability in printing has long been recognised by FESPA as pressing, as evinced by our efforts to raise awareness of the issue, encourage printers to adopt more planet friendly printing practices, and offer practical advice and expert insight to printers – wherever they are on the journey to sustainability. We believe that to be truly planet-friendly it is important to address sustainability globally. FESPA's global footprint within and beyond our 37 member associations, coupled with the profit-for-purpose basis on which FESPA is organised, means we are well placed to offer continuous independent, unbiased support to the worldwide print community as we collectively move towards a more sustainable future, and we are excited to be further extending the reach of our activities in this area."
Since 2007 FESPA has published the Planet Friendly Printing Guide which interprets and distils the myriad regulations and certification schemes pertaining to environmental best practice for printers and offers detailed advice on environmental management. The Planet Friendly Printing Guide has been updated several times each year since its first publication in 2009 – which gives an indication of how swiftly things have moved within the sphere of sustainability.
To date, the Planet Friendly Printing Guide has only been available to members of FESPA's 37 member associations. The latest version of the guide will remain exclusive to FESPA members; however, in recognition that sustainability is a pressing issue for all printers, FESPA will make an abridged version of the guide available to non-member printers around the world.
In addition to the valuable advice and guidance offered in the Planet Friendly Printing Guide, FESPA will be extending the availability of the insights and advice on pursuing sustainable printing which has been a strong feature of all FESPA's recent content-led events – such as the FESPA Global Summit 2010, the FESPA Planet Friendly Summit 2010 and the FESPA Global Summit 2011. FESPA has explored more than 40 aspects of sustainability in its research over the last five years, and delivered more than 50 presentations in four continents on the topic.
Presentations on sustainability from global experts, certified sustainable printers, suppliers to the PSP community, and its customers such as top-ten global creative agency Ogilvy and brand owners such as Unilever, Nike and others are now available to all without charge on www.fespa.com.
FESPA is making these resources available to the global print community to promote understanding of the key drivers for adopting sustainable practices, and the routes to ensure our businesses become more planet-friendly. These resources will be complimented not only by the continued offering of insight and advice on sustainability at FESPA's events, and an increased offering of advice and consultation on www.fespa.com via webinars and other online resources.
FESPA Digital 2012 will see a comprehensive Planet Friendly Printing programme on offer to PSPs – featuring:
• Presentations from global experts such as Paul Machin;
• Case studies from printers who are enjoying improved business results due to adopting sustainable practices such as Simon Pless of Erler & Pless;
• Workshops on pursuing certification under schemes such as ISO 14001 and EMAS, led by accredited assessors; and
• Consultation in the FESPA Planet Friendly Printing Clinic.
All these resources are available to printers free-of-charge at FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona from February 21-24, 2012. Look out for the dates of Planet Friendly Printing webinars on FESPA.com soon, as well as the 'ask the expert' facility.
Planet Friendly Printing is another facet of FESPA's reinvestment programme, which has already seen more than three million Euros reinvested in various initiatives to support printers over the last seven years, explains FESPA Head of Events & New Media Duncan MacOwan, who is steering the Planet Friendly Printing programme development.
"The development of fresh initiatives under the Planet Friendly Printing banner recognises the ongoing significance of sustainability to our global print community, and its reprioritisation by PSPs and their customers as we gradually emerge from global recession."
He continues: "Sustainability is far from being a topic for dark green 'eco-champions'. Sustainable print capabilities are a decisive factor for many print buyers when selecting a PSP, and as the corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda matures, so demand for environmentally responsible print will increase. What's more, environmental best practice is often economical best practice, particularly when it comes to energy saving and prudent materials and waste management, so there are immediate commercial gains to be made from 'going green."
FESPA's Managing Director, Neil Felton comments: "Navigating the route to sustainability can be challenging as printers looking to avoid greenwash and empty claims by commercial entities seek impartial advice on how to become more planet friendly in their business activities.
"The issue of sustainability in printing has long been recognised by FESPA as pressing, as evinced by our efforts to raise awareness of the issue, encourage printers to adopt more planet friendly printing practices, and offer practical advice and expert insight to printers – wherever they are on the journey to sustainability. We believe that to be truly planet-friendly it is important to address sustainability globally. FESPA's global footprint within and beyond our 37 member associations, coupled with the profit-for-purpose basis on which FESPA is organised, means we are well placed to offer continuous independent, unbiased support to the worldwide print community as we collectively move towards a more sustainable future, and we are excited to be further extending the reach of our activities in this area."
FESPA Digital 2012 Offers A Wide Opportunity For Vendors
FESPA Digital 2012 (Barcelona, 21-24 February 2012) has attracted an impressive new line-up of sponsors for the highly anticipated event in Barcelona.
While HP retains its position as FESPA's Corporate Sponsor for FESPA Digital 2012, the digital exhibition also incorporates three brand new platinum sponsors to the show: INX Digital, Océ and SigmaJet, while d.gen continues as Digital Textile Sponsor.
Kornit Digital returns to support FESPA Fabric 2012 as Fabric Corporate Sponsor for the four day 'show within a show', which is part of the comprehensive FESPA Digital visitor experience.
Neil Felton, Managing Director Exhibitions and Events at FESPA comments: "The calibre of sponsors we secure year on year is a clear indication of the confidence these vendors place in FESPA as an important business partner, underlining the significance of the FESPA community to their businesses. Committed to supporting visitors beyond the show floor, our sponsors are valued FESPA partners who aide us to deliver compelling material for our multi-faceted and interactive events. The support we receive through these sponsorships also helps us to deliver rich content in the form of educational tools and market intelligence for the benefit of our global community."
He continues, "We are fortunate to have such a dedicated community of supporters who endorse FESPA's organisational objectives over and above our events. FESPA is a not-for-profit organisation, and connecting and supporting our global community of print service providers is at the heart of FESPA's mission."
For further information about FESPA Digital 2012, visit www.fespadigital.com.
FESPA To Recognise Print’s Real Explorers In New Hall of Fame at FESPA Digital 2012
FESPA is inviting nominations to a FESPA Hall of Fame, which it intends to become a 'who's who' of the leading lights in the print community.
The Hall of Fame will be inaugurated at FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona (21-24 February 2012), in the form of a gallery of stars highlighting the names of printers from all over the world who their peers hold up as inspirational role models in the print community. Nominees might have pioneered a new approach or technology, or demonstrated innovation in other ways. They may simply stand out on print skill or service, for a leading stance on sustainability, or have made some other significant contribution to the industry.
Whatever makes the printer in question stand out, the nomination process is simple. Printers, agencies, brands or suppliers wanting to nominate a peer or a colleague (or even themselves!) simply visit www.fespadigital.com and complete a nomination form. The entry information will be collated by FESPA and the nominees published online, with the opportunity for members of the community to vote for their favourite candidates. FESPA will publish a list of all nominees at the end of December 2011, with the nominations closing in January 2012.
Based on the online votes, FESPA will narrow down a shortlist of up to ten printers per country to be featured in the actual Hall of Fame at the Digital 2012 event. These shortlisted printers will each receive VIP status to attend FESPA Digital 2012, and will also benefit from privileged invitations to future FESPA VIP events such as Global Summits.
Voting will continue onsite in Barcelona for the outright leader of the Hall of Fame 2012. The winner of this prestigious accolade will be announced at a champagne VIP reception for the Hall of Fame printers on the last day of FESPA Digital 2012.
FESPA Managing Director Neil Felton explains the reason for launching the Hall of Fame: "In this industry, awards are often given for particular jobs or campaigns, to printing companies, and to new technological innovations, but it's rare for the individual print professionals who drive this community to be recognised for their unique and personal contribution.
"As a relative newcomer to the world of print, I'm struck by the charismatic personalities that inhabit this sector, and the spirit of entrepreneurialism and determination which sees print service providers taking their businesses forward, sometimes against the odds. The FESPA Hall of Fame will celebrate these individuals, showcase their achievements and inspire others to follow their example."
FESPA'S Global Summit Stimulates Debate to Explore The Opportunities in Digital Print
Over 94% of leading printers cited event was of positive value to their business
FESPA's leadership event, the Global Summit took place on 17th and 18th November at the Dolce Sitges Hotel near Barcelona and was attended by a total of 152 delegates.
Designed to encourage printers to explore the wider opportunities, to diversify their business and ultimately to grow their bottom line, 94.5% of delegates said that the information and insights presented at the event will help them to add real value to their organisation.
Founded through FESPA's Profit for a Purpose reinvestment programme, the Global Summit is part of the organisations ongoing commitment to connect and support its global community of print service providers. The Summit embodies FESPA's three guiding tenets of sharing knowledge, education and best practice.
Over 97% of visitors to the Global Summit said that they would attend another FESPA event in the future. Visitor comments received by the FESPA team include:
"(The event) exceeded my expectations in all aspects possible – quality of speakers and content, delegates and venue. The presentations and workshops gave us key insights on what is happening in the digital printing world, identifying trends and exploring solutions and ways to develop a printing business." Cristina Claveria, TECSERVICEEUROPE AG
"I met many great new contacts within the trade who I will no doubt be doing business with in the near future. I hope to be attending the next FESPA event." David Nicolas, Managing Director, Fosco Hayes Hurdley
FESPA Managing Director Neil Felton comments: "The positive feedback we have received from everyone who attended the Summit has been overwhelming. It is gratifying to hear that not only did the speaker content, presentations and interactive workshop sessions provide inspiration, over 89% of visitors also said they also benefitted from the opportunity to network.
He continues, "FESPA's main objective is to share knowledge and engage in issues affecting the wide format population. To encourage printers to explore the wider opportunities in their business is our key message, and the Summit showed how much this resonates with our global community. The Summit provided the perfect platform to showcase some of the fresh themes and content which will be tackled in a lot more detail at the forthcoming FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona."
The Barcelona event was the fourth FESPA Summit, following similar leadership events in Miami, Singapore and Istanbul over the last two years.
FESPA's leadership event, the Global Summit took place on 17th and 18th November at the Dolce Sitges Hotel near Barcelona and was attended by a total of 152 delegates.
Designed to encourage printers to explore the wider opportunities, to diversify their business and ultimately to grow their bottom line, 94.5% of delegates said that the information and insights presented at the event will help them to add real value to their organisation.
Founded through FESPA's Profit for a Purpose reinvestment programme, the Global Summit is part of the organisations ongoing commitment to connect and support its global community of print service providers. The Summit embodies FESPA's three guiding tenets of sharing knowledge, education and best practice.
Over 97% of visitors to the Global Summit said that they would attend another FESPA event in the future. Visitor comments received by the FESPA team include:
"(The event) exceeded my expectations in all aspects possible – quality of speakers and content, delegates and venue. The presentations and workshops gave us key insights on what is happening in the digital printing world, identifying trends and exploring solutions and ways to develop a printing business." Cristina Claveria, TECSERVICEEUROPE AG
"I met many great new contacts within the trade who I will no doubt be doing business with in the near future. I hope to be attending the next FESPA event." David Nicolas, Managing Director, Fosco Hayes Hurdley
FESPA Managing Director Neil Felton comments: "The positive feedback we have received from everyone who attended the Summit has been overwhelming. It is gratifying to hear that not only did the speaker content, presentations and interactive workshop sessions provide inspiration, over 89% of visitors also said they also benefitted from the opportunity to network.
He continues, "FESPA's main objective is to share knowledge and engage in issues affecting the wide format population. To encourage printers to explore the wider opportunities in their business is our key message, and the Summit showed how much this resonates with our global community. The Summit provided the perfect platform to showcase some of the fresh themes and content which will be tackled in a lot more detail at the forthcoming FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona."
The Barcelona event was the fourth FESPA Summit, following similar leadership events in Miami, Singapore and Istanbul over the last two years.
FESPA Digital 2012 Visitor Programme offers Exploration
Visitors to FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona will find an action-packed programme of educational activities and live features that invite printers to explore the wider opportunities, bringing to life the central message of the event campaign.
FESPA's reputation as a global conference organiser for the digital wide format community will be reinforced in Barcelona with the Explore Conference at FESPA Digital. This series of free half-day conference and workshop sessions will run within the main exhibition centre, making it easy for printers to structure their day and mix visits to exhibitors with participation in the conference sessions that appeal to them. Delivered by world experts, the conference is structured around topics such as Business Building, Technology Issues, Narrow Format Print, Sustainability, Digital Signage, Customer Insight, and Printed Electronics, and will deliver a rich mix of information and inspiration. (Note to editors: see separate release re FESPA Explore Conference).
Back in the exhibition, a series of Explore Routes will offer visitors mini-maps highlighting different technologies or consumables on display around the show, helping them to optimise their time if their interest is specific to a particular product or technology.
Visitors looking for a more hands-on technical experience will want to factor in time for Print Shop Live!, an exciting new feature within a European FESPA event. Print Shop Live! allows the visitor to experience each element of the production process first-hand in a live and interactive forum, moderated by technical consultant Sophie Matthews-Paul. Here printers can test and try their own artwork file on wide and narrow format technologies, from pre-press through to finishing, and on a range of substrates. The aim of Print Shop Live! is for visitors to build their technical know-how and seize the commercial opportunities that come from boosting productivity and extending the capabilities of their digital production equipment.
Diversification is one of the 'wider opportunities' referenced in the event campaign, and there are several areas of the show which look at new applications or formats to offer food for thought for printers considering breaking away from the tried and tested. The Narrow Format Zone invites visitors to investigate how adding smaller format digital output to their service portfolio could help them tap into new revenue streams from new and established customers, while FESPA Fabric, the 'show within a show' for garment printing and decoration will interest printers considering a move into promotional wear or other garment applications. (Note to editors: see separate release re FESPA Fabric).
Fresh opportunities also come in the form of creative and innovative print applications that optimise the capabilities of digital output and take advantage of the latest substrates and inks. A coffee break in Big Buck's Cafe at FESPA Digital 2012 will open the visitor's eyes to the full spectrum of applications now possible using digital output technology. This 'pop-up' cafe will showcase everything from signage, to promotional and point-of-sale graphics, to interior decor, to printed furniture, to soft signage, to furnishings, to fine art, to garments. The Big Buck's Cafe 'menu' will tempt the visitor to explore further, with simple explanations of the applications on display and how they were produced.
FESPA Marketing Manager Lynda Sutton comments: "Our campaign for FESPA Digital 2012 challenges printers to explore the wider opportunities, but it's not just a marketing strapline, it's the essence of the event. Of course, technology is fundamental, and visitors to the show will find several hundred exhibitors on hand to share their innovations and offer advice. But being a print entrepreneur requires a spirit of adventure, and successful PSPs tell us that there's a wealth of opportunity if you open your eyes to the products and services your customers want from you. We want to stimulate visitors to FESPA Digital to look at how to use software, printing and finishing equipment, substrates and inks to expand their horizons and develop new products and services that match customers' needs and help them to be more profitable."
More details about all the Explore themed visitor features will become available between now and the show, so printers planning to attend should pre-register at www.fespadigital.com to ensure they are kept up to date and can plan in detail to make the most of their time in Barcelona.
