The combined event attracted 23,137 individual (unique) visitors, with the majority electing to stay at the show for more than one day, resulting in the highest ever revisit rate for any Fespa event. This reflects the increased scope of Fespa’s Global Expo in terms of exhibiting companies and educational content, which motivated visitors to extend their visit beyond one day to take in all the product innovations and educational opportunities.

 

The speciality print mega- event played host to more than 750 exhibitors under four distinct event brands: Fespa 2015 (screen, digital and textile printing); Fespa Fabric (garment printing and decoration); European Sign Expo (non-printed signage) and Printeriors (printed interior décor).

 

Fespa 2015 Global Expo also offered visitors an Educational Hub, Sign Hub, Wrap Cup Masters vehicle wrapping area, 3D and Industrial Print Showcases, a gallery of Fespa Awards entries, and the new Printeriors conference featuring speakers from the interior design and architectural communities.

 

“This was the most colourful, most comprehensive Fespa event we have ever delivered, and printers from all over the world touched down in Cologne, ready to discover their universe of print. This record attendance is an unmistakable signal of the renewed energy, optimism and engagement of our global community of suppliers and service providers,” said Neil Felton, CEO, Fespa. “The fact that so many visitors committed more than a day to the show reflects the vast spectrum of innovative products and applications that were there to be explored, and cements Fespa’s reputation as the most comprehensive global event for wide format and speciality print.”

 

He added that each Fespa exhibition is a reflection of the inventiveness and vitality that runs through the veins of our community, and the 2015 show floor was buzzing with imagination and opportunity. “What’s clear from these five days in Cologne is that the word ‘print’ barely does justice to the diverse and imaginative technologies, products and concepts that now come together under one roof at Fespa,” he said.

 

A strike by Deutsche Bahn employees impacted national train services in Germany on days three and four (Wednesday/Thursday) of the five-day show, with some service disruption continuing towards the Whitsun holiday weekend. Fespa responded by providing free shuttle bus services from Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt airports, enabling international visitors travelling by plane to reach the exhibition with ease.

 

Founded in 1962, Fespa is a global federation of 37 member associations for the screen printing, digital printing and textile printing community. Fespa’s dual aim is to promote screen printing and digital imaging and to share knowledge about screen and digital printing with its members across the world, helping them to grow their businesses and learn about the latest developments in their fast growing industries.