This progress, enabled by the pace of the vaccination programme in Europe, means that the two live Fespa events can now go ahead in Amsterdam in October with no restrictions on visitor numbers or density within halls and on individual exhibitor stands, and without one-way systems.

This and other positive developments such as the introduction of the EU Digital Covid Certificate and the steady relaxation of travel restrictions and quarantine requirements for travellers between many European countries, are fuelling business confidence among suppliers and service providers in the speciality print community, and building excitement for the return of the sector’s first live international event since 2019.

Fespa Global Print Expo 2021 and the co-located European Sign Expo will bring together over a broad spectrum of exhibitors over 16,000-m² of exhibition space at the RAI in October. Together, they will offer print, textile and visual communications businesses a long-overdue opportunity to see the latest digital wide format, screen, textile printing and signage product innovations ‘in real life’, to touch and try technologies and materials, and to access the expert advice they need in person.

Exhibitors include 3A, Agfa, Ahlstrom Munksjö, Brother, Canon Production Printing, d.gen Inc, Durst, Kornit, M&R, Mimaki Europe, OneVision, Roland DG and STS Inks. Visitors can also enjoy a pared-back feature programme, including the popular Printeriors interior décor showcase and the Wrap Masters vehicle wrapping event.

Neil Felton, CEO, Fespa, said, “After such a long hiatus and so many disappointments, it feels incredible to finally be less than three months away from opening the doors to a live Fespa event. The anticipation from our exhibitors is mounting, and with the restrictions within live events eased, we can deliver an experience that comes as close as possible to what people expect from Fespa. Of course, this year will be different in lots of ways, but European print business owners are telling us that they need live events back to support their planning and investment decisions. With this event, we’ll set out to deliver the most comprehensive product and applications showcase possible to support their business recovery and build foundations for future growth.”

Participants can rely on all the necessary health and safety precautions relating to Covid, including an enhanced cleaning regime, prominent hand sanitising facilities and wider aisles to allow for optimal visitor flow without bottlenecks. With a view to reducing physical touchpoints where possible, visitors will be able to enter both events using a digital ticket held on their mobile phone, and use QR codes around the show to access online versions of brochures, exhibitor marketing collateral and magazines via an updated Fespa event app. Mask wearing and distancing will be recommended.