Have your say by taking part in the FESPA Print Census survey. This new edition explores three important topics shaping businesses today.

• E-commerce and Web-to-Print.
• Workforce and Skills Gaps.
• Growth Applications, Pricing Pressures & Profitability.

As a thank you, you will receive a FREE copy of the Executive Summary, packed with exclusive benchmarked industry data.

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute your perspective and access valuable data shaping the future of print.

Take the survey.

Become a member today and enjoy exclusive benefits.

FESPA
https://www.fespa.com/

While attending the co-located FESPA 2026 events, (FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, WrapFest, Corrugated and Textile) visitors can also experience the FESPA Conference and The Corrugated Conference and WrapTalks, as well as the World Wrap Masters Europe and Finals.

FESPA is taking place at the Gran Via, Fira de Barcelona, from 19–22 May 2026

The FESPA Conference

The new FESPA Conference (located in Hall 3, Stand B45), will allow visitors to develop a greater understanding of trends and opportunities across speciality print, signage, textile and personalisation. Those in attendance will learn about how they can capitalise on market trends and convert them into business growth.

Confirmed sessions to date include:

‘Theory and Practice: Sustainability in Print’ with Klaus Reisinger, CEO, ClimatePartner.

‘Added Value Apparel: Surface Effects and Embellishment for Garment Decoration’ with Debbie McKeegan, FESPA Textile Ambassador and CEO of Textintel.

‘Print. The Original Influencer’ with Justin Cairns, Head of Offline Production, Ogilvy.

‘In Store Personalisation: Retail Case Studies to Convert Footfall into Revenue’ with Bart Olde Wolbers CEO, Artisjet.

‘La comunicacion visual en el arte y la’ with Natalia Dolz, Design and Prepress Manager, Lachrome.

The Corrugated Conference

The first edition of Corrugated will provide a platform for visitors to explore the latest trends, challenges and developments across the corrugated industry, supported by a free-to-attend ‘Corrugated Conference’ programme.

The conference will include talks from experts on their experiences in corrugated production and how converters can adapt their business to keep up with evolving market trends. Speakers will explore the power of digitisation and automation, packaging regulations and more.

Confirmed sessions to date include:

‘The Cyber Landscape of the Packaging Industry: Where we are and where we’re heading beyond 2026’ with Stefan Liversidge, OT Security Production Owner, OPSWAT.

‘AI is the Solution to Assist in the Automation and Digitalisation of the Corrugated Industry’ with Thomas Orthax, CEO, Packitoo.

‘The Future of Corrugated Packaging: Revealing a Clear Pathway for Today’s Dynamic Industry’ with Ian Bates, Regenerative Packaging Pioneer, NOA Ltd.

‘Ukraine: How industry rebuilds after the conflict’ with Yura Bachurin, Operational Director, Paper Kite and Editorial Board Lead.

WrapTalks Programme

Visitors to WrapFest 2026 can also attend the WrapTalks conference programme (Hall 2, A78), where they will have the opportunity to hear real-life success stories and develop their understanding of the entire wrap industry, from vehicles to interior décor.

Confirmed sessions to date include:

‘Inside the Wrap: Creative Projects that Pushed Boundaries’ with Chris Edwards, Director, CVI Group, Shaun Winfield, Director, Dash Wraps and Tim Evans, Founder, Wrapper Mapper.

‘Pixels to Panels: The Wrap Production Pipeline’ with Martin Turecek, CEO, Wrapstock and WrapStyle, and Chris Edwards, Director, CVI Group.

‘Women in Wrap: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures’ with Paige Walton, CEO and Founder, The Vehicle Wrapping Academy, Jen Carney, Founder of Women Of Wrap, Megan Cadogan, Megan Cadogan, Director, Miss Wrapz

‘Beyond Vehicles: The rise of Architectural Film’ with Greg Forster, Managing Director of Embrace Building Wraps, and Christophe Aussenac, Co-Founder, ATC Group.

Feature Highlight: World Wrap Masters

This year, WrapFest will host two live World Wrap Masters Competitions: World Wrap Masters Europe on 19-20 May, followed by the World Wrap Masters Final on 21-22 May. During the World Wrap Masters Europe Competition on days one and two of WrapFest, regional competitors will compete against one another in a series of timed rounds, wrapping a variety of special objects and vehicles. On the final two days of the event, regional champions will battle it out to be crowned the World Wrap Masters 2026 champion in the finals of the global series.

Alongside the competition rounds, visitors will be able to access a series of daily demos, delivered by global wrap experts, sharing their top tips and tricks for efficient and accurate installs. Visitors can also explore an array of wrap-focused technologies and solutions, including self-adhesive wrap films, software and design, tools and accessories, wrap, vinyl, PPF, window tint, architectural interior and detailing from leading brands and suppliers, as well as Printed Media Partner, Arlon, Colour Change PPF Partner, Carlas and PPF Partner, Terminax.

Michael Ryan, Head of FESPA Global Print Expo, commented, ‘Each year, we strive to offer our visitors something new, and our three conference programmes will do just that. We’re confident that the programmes will facilitate knowledge sharing among our visitors, while giving them a platform to learn, network and maximise their business growth.’

He added, ‘In addition, the expansion of our flagship event portfolio overall, to include WrapFest, Corrugated and Textile under the FESPA 2026 umbrella, supports the growth of our global community by bringing together experts from speciality print and its related sectors.’

Those in Africa who can’t attend the event can register for the FESPA Africa expo, taking place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8-10 September 2026, Gallagher Convention Centre, Gauteng.

FESPA
https://europe.fespa.com/

NUtec Digital Ink handed over donations in the form of buffs made from repurposed textiles, as well as pencils, erasers and 2026 calendars, to the FESPA Foundation during the Sign Africa Cape Town expo. The event was held from 11-12 March.

The FESPA Foundation has extended its programme to the Western Cape, and will be visiting schools and providing gifts, so that learners can see what printing is about. As NUtec is based in Cape Town, the donation aligns well with the programme, as they too are looking to partner with schools in Cape Town.

‘We recently identified three schools in Cape Town, so this would be an ideal opportunity to demonstrate to those schools what the print industry and what the FESPA Foundation is all about,’ said FESPA Foundation executive director Steve Thobela ka Mdlalose.

Martine Goodchild, NUtec Digital Ink marketing manager, added, ‘We will continue to support the FESPA Foundation’s vision for South African school children in under-resourced areas and look forward to getting more involved in schools within our community.’

FESPA FOUNDATION
https://www.fespa.com/en/about/fespa-foundation/

NUTEC DIGITAL INK
+27 21 763 6990
info@nutecdigital.com
http://www.nutecdigital.com

The FESPA Foundation team returned to Batau Primary School in February to further support the school. The foundation handed over art and stationery supplies, which were kindly donated by NUtec Digital Ink. NUtec packaged paints and canvases in repurposed printed fabric samples which were turned into art supply totes.

Steve Thobela ka Mdlalose, FESPA Foundation’s executive director, emphasised that transparency is central to what the Foundation does: ‘There are so many charities that people can donate to, but how do you know if the gift that you donated actually gets to those in need? The FESPA Foundation pride ourselves on the fact that if something is donated to us for a school purpose, we assure the donor that they will see their product or donation being used at the school.’

Group content and events manager Michela Marcantonio from FESPA’s UK head office joined the team for the school visit. Thobela ka Mdlalose said, ‘It’s always good for staff members from the head office to see what we do. Although we do share information with them, there’s nothing like being present at the school to see the difference being made.’

‘I was honoured to visit Batau School in Limpopo, where FESPA donated a ‘parachute’ game for all classes to enjoy, a popular activity in UK schools. The game uses a large, circular, multi-coloured parachute with handles and can be used for a variety of group activities. We hoped it would be a meaningful contribution, as it’s a great way to help children develop coordination, teamwork and motor skills,’ said Marcantonio.

‘The children were in the middle of recess when we arrived and were clearly delighted to see us. They were eager to try the game and it was wonderful to see their excitement and joyful energy as we played together. During my visit, it was also a pleasure to meet the school’s dedicated staff, including Headmistress Mokabane, whose warmth, laughter and welcoming hugs left a lasting impression.’

‘I was particularly interested to learn more about the upcoming projects the FESPA Foundation team are fundraising for, including the development of five themed classrooms. These will help support students who are currently learning in classes of more than 60 children.’

Martine Goodchild, NUtec Digital Ink marketing manager added, ‘We’re honoured to support the FESPA Foundation’s work at Batau Primary School. Combining art supplies with repurposed printed fabric samples allowed us to contribute in a way that encourages creativity while giving materials from our industry a second life.’

FESPA FOUNDATION
https://www.fespa.com/en/about/fespa-foundation/

Visitors could learn more about MIPS’ printing solutions at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo. The event took place from 9-11 September at th Gallagher Convention Centre.

The Mutoh 137cm (54”) XpertJet 1341WR Pro, which is targeted at the dye sublimation market, was showcased. It features one Mutoh AccuFine 1600 nozzle head.

The XPJ-1341WR Pro is compatible with Mutoh’s genuine DS3-series HC dye sublimation inks. The increased colourant means reduced ink consumption, faster drying and compatibility with lightweight papers. The DS-3 inks come in degassed 1kg pouches for reliable jetting, excellent image definition and sharpness. The printer delivers sellable production speeds up to 29.2sqm/h.

Visitors could also see the RainJet 1.6m eco-solvent printer, as well as the economical heat press, which features high durability, paper-to-cloth sublimation, and single-phase power.

The event was sponsored by Stixo and Roland.

MIPS TECHNOLOGIES
+27 11 451 8600
andrew@mipstech.co.za
http://www.mipstech.co.za

Attend the free Change 1 Woman (C1W) networking event, taking place on the C1W stand in Hall 2 at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa expo, on Wednesday 10 September at 11h30 am. This is your platform to connect with women in signage, print and branding.

Attend the event to connect with suppliers, discuss your challenges and leave with new ideas for your business. The first 150 ladies to RSVP will get their own C1W badge and shopper bag. Book your spot here: info@c1w.co.za. We believe meaningful change starts with one conversation. By helping just one woman, we can ignite a ripple effect that transforms many lives.

Thanks to our sponsors of this event: Printing SA, The FP&M SETA, Graphix Supply World, Avery Dennison and DTF Printing Africa.

FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo, taking place from 9-11 September 2025 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) at Gallagher Convention Centre is sponsored by Stixo and Roland. Entrance is free, please register online.

The new C1W website, a platform featuring information on upcoming C1W networking events, news and informative women-led content and information on training opportunities, is live. Website visitors can also get an overview of what C1W is about, and how to get involved.

Follow C1W on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates.

CHANGE ONE WOMAN
https://www.c1w.co.za

GZ Technology will exhibit a vast range of printing and signage solutions at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo, taking place from 9-11 September (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) at the Gallagher Convention Centre, 9am-5pm.

These include the new Gongzheng Apsaras G4D MAX 3.2m hybrid sublimation solution. It has 4 x Epson I3200 A1 printheads, and features direct printing for soft signs and sublimation paper printing in one, with an eco-friendly design.

DEMA digital, cutting, laser and bending solutions will be showcased as well.

Other Apsaras models will also be on display. The G2 sublimation solution has two Epson I3200 A1 printheads and an output of up to 95 sqm/h. The G5 sublimation solution has 8 Epson I3200 A1 printheads and an output of up to 360 sqm/h. The G4 sublimation solution has 4 Epson I3200 A1 printheads and an output of up to 185 sqm/h.

Visitors can also see Gongzheng Pixy DTF solutions, including the T2 model, which has two Epson I3200 A1 printheads with an output of up to 12 sqm/h; and the T4 model, featuring 4 Epson I3200 A1 printheads and an output of up to 24sqm/h. Applications include shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone covers and more.

The Gongzheng H2513GN UV flatbed printer has enhanced water-cooling LED UV lamps that cure ink quickly during high speed printing, auto height detector for material up to 100mm thick, up to eight Ricoh Gen 6 printheads, a precise vacuum table, and more. Applications include: PVC, metal, wood, acrylic, glass and ceramic.

The Gongzheng HO906I high end small flatbed UV printer is ideal for customising graphics on various substates. It features high resolution, high speed and high durability Epson I3200 U1 printheads, and can print on acrylic, aluminium, foam board, PVC, leather, glass and more. The Gongzheng H6090E1 high-end small flatbed UV printer with a camera will also be showcased.

Gongzheng eco-solvent solutions at the stand will include the AQ1602, AQ1601 and AQ 3204S Thunderjet models, all of which can produce banners, vehicle wraps, billboards, outdoor signage and more.

The company’s 1, 2, 4 and 6 head embroidery machines will be also showcased as well as  two different roll-to-roll heat presses.

FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo, taking place from 9-11 September 2025 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) at Gallagher Convention Centre is sponsored by Stixo and Roland. Entrance is free, please register online.

GZ TECHNOLOGY
+27 622 11 7788
info@gongzheng.co.za
https://gongzheng.co.za

According to Smithers, ‘Apparel, home décor, signage and technical textiles continue to be key markets for inkjet. The future prospects in this segment remain highly positive as ordering chains, consumer habits, and sustainability concerns all favour digital print production.’

‘The desire for customised products is a significant driver for the adoption of digital textile printing, which continues to demonstrate strong growth opportunities for companies throughout the textile and printing supply chain.’

Visitors at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo can see innovative digital textile printing technologies, and learn how to take advantage of this growing market. Join us from 9–11 September 2025 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg. You can also see cutting-edge signage, wide format print, screen print, DTF, and T-shirt printing solutions.

The event is proudly sponsored by Platinum Sponsors Roland and Stixo Signage Supplies.

Why You Should Attend

Live demonstrations: See cutting-edge equipment in action. All equipment on stands will be showcased with live demonstrations throughout the expo.

Roland Speedwrap Challenge: Test your skills and win cash prizes! Or watch the pros wrap with precision and speed. Click here for more info.

World Wrap Record: Watch the pros wrap with precision and speed in their attempt to set the world wrapping record. Click here for more info.

Network with leading suppliers: Meet Platinum Sponsors Roland and Stixo Signage Supplies, along with a wide range of exhibitors representing hundreds of leading brands.

AI Workshop: A must-attend for designers, creatives, and innovators eager to harness the power of AI in their workflow. Book here.

Change 1 Woman networking event: This is your platform to connect with women in branding, print and signage. Be prepared to be uplifted, guided and inspired. The first 150 ladies to RSVP will get their own C1W badge and shopper bag. Book your spot: info@c1w.co.za

Please register online for free attendance to the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo, taking place 9-11 September 2025, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre. The event is sponsored by Platinum Sponsors, Roland and Stixo.

I want to exhibit.

FESPA AFRICA EXPO
+27 11 568 1894
www.fespaafrica.com