innovation – FESPA AFRICA

FESPA Reports Its Largest Co-Located Event To Date

adminfespa — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:58:22 +0000

The expansion into new print-related vertical markets reinforced the organisation’s FESPA Future strategy to Connect, Inspire and Support increasingly diverse global business communities. FESPA 2026 comprising FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, WrapFest, Corrugated and Textile welcomed visitors from the speciality print, signage, packaging, personalisation, wrapping and textile sectors to the Fira de Barcelona.

The event was the first flagship exhibition in Southern Europe since 2012 and, with six co-located events and three conference programmes under one roof, it was its most varied and multi-faceted to date.

The co-located event portfolio also broadened FESPA’s reach and audience, strengthening its position as a leading platform for innovation, knowledge exchange and business growth across the speciality print industry and beyond.

FESPA 2026 welcomed visitors from 126 countries with the largest audiences coming from Spain, Italy, the UK, Germany, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Poland, Belgium and Switzerland (in descending order). This reinforces the value of FESPA’s peripatetic pattern, making the 2026 event easily accessible to southern European printers and supporting exhibitors to make connections with new prospective buyers.

FESPA 2026 achieved a total visitor attendance of 24,798, making it one of the most successful editions of the global event to date. 15,495 unique visitors attended the show, a 10% year-on-year increase on the 2025 event.

85% of visitors were senior decision makers, with 77% directors, CEOs, owners or managers. The collective median visitor budget was €3.5 billion, a 20.68% increase on 2025, signalling strong propensity to invest.

Michael Ryan, Head of FESPA Global Print Expo, commented, ‘By bringing together six clearly defined events, our aim was to give FESPA visitors a richer mix of opportunities to learn, be inspired and explore adjacent market sectors and applications. The patterns we’ve seen in event registration, usage of the FESPA app and conference attendance made it clear that most visitors have several overlapping areas of interest, so this approach serves their needs perfectly.’

‘For example, they might come to the show primarily for FESPA Global Print Expo and also engage with European Sign Expo, Textile and our FESPA Conference programme. This highlights the exceptional value of a comprehensive global event with multiple exhibition and content strands; it gives decision-makers access to a vast spectrum of specialist expertise to validate their current direction while also investigating new growth opportunities, all in one place.’

FESPA Global Print Expo’s returning co-located events, European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience, further enhanced the visitor offering. European Sign Expo showcased the latest innovations, products and solutions for the signage and visual communications sectors, while Personalisation Experience provided a dedicated platform for industry professionals to explore the commercial potential of customisation and discover new opportunities for personalised print applications.

This year, FESPA also launched two new co-located events, Corrugated and Textile, and it included WrapFest in the flagship event portfolio for the first time.

Corrugated brought together manufacturers of corrugated packaging and display solutions, as well as leading suppliers of machinery, print technology, software, materials and automation systems to create a hub for innovation and collaboration across the sector.

Textile offered a focused environment for professionals in printed textile applications across fashion, apparel, sportswear and interior décor. Visitors were able to explore emerging trends, discover new technologies and applications, and exchange knowledge with industry experts.

WrapFest 2026 showcased the full spectrum of vehicle and surface wrapping solutions, including self-adhesive films, software, design tools and accessories. Complementing the exhibition, the event delivered a programme of live demonstrations, practical workshops, technical advice and skills development opportunities, providing valuable hands-on learning for wrap professionals.

Visitors also had the opportunity to attend three conference programmes at the event: The FESPA Conference; The Corrugated Conference and WrapTalks.

Each programme delivered valuable industry insights, expert-led sessions and panel discussions, and practical takeaways. Together, the three programmes covered key topics relating to: print, signage, packaging, wrapping, textile decoration and personalisation.

FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, WrapFest and Textile will return to Messe Munich, Germany from 6–9 April 2027. FESPA Africa, which is co-located with Sign Africa, Africa Print, Graphics, Print & Sign and Modern Marketing, will be held from 8-10 September at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

FESPA
https://www.fespa.com/

JG Electronics Launching Sublimation Printer At FESPA Africa And Sign Africa Expo

adminfespa — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 09:13:30 +0000

JG Electronics will launch the new Brother™ SP-1, a budget-friendly option ideal for hobbyists and small businesses looking for an affordable yet capable sublimation solution, at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo. The event takes place from 9-11 September, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at the Gallagher Convention Centre, 9am-5pm.

The Brother™ SP-1 is an innovative printer is designed to transform creative ideas into vibrant, high-quality products, offering unparalleled opportunities for artists, designers, crafters, and small business owners across the country.

It is engineered to meet the growing demand for personalised products. From custom apparel and accessories to unique home décor items, the SP-1 enables users to produce professional-grade merchandise with ease.

The printer’s efficiency and affordability make it a valuable asset for businesses aiming to provide personalised merchandise without significant overheads.

It can handle A4, LGL (legal), and Letter, ensuring adaptability to a wide array of creative projects. It features an impressive print resolution, delivering sharp details and vibrant colours that bring intricate designs to life.

Users can select between speed and quality modes, tailoring the printing process to their needs without compromising on excellence.

Additional features:

– Compact and user-friendly design: The SP-1’s compact footprint makes it an ideal addition to any workspace, from home studios to small business environments.
– Interface: easy-to-use 6.8cm LCD touchscreen.
– Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity, allows seamless integration with various devices, enhancing workflow efficiency.
– Software: Powered by Artspira mobile app, a free downloadable app that allows users to create and edit designs before printing. A design platform, offering a plethora of project ideas, patterns, and editing tools. Download on Google Play Store or Apple Store.
– On the go printing: users can create or modify designs on-the-go and wirelessly transfer them to the SP-1 for printing. This synergy between hardware and software streamlines the creative process, making customisation accessible to both novices and seasoned creators.
– Support: The Brother™ SP-1 Sublimation Printer is backed by Brother’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, including a two-year warranty. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, Brother™ recommends using only genuine accessories.

Prestige R1 DTF Printer

The company will also showcase the Prestige R1 DTF printer. The printer is an ideal entry-level A3 machine for garment printing enthusiasts who are starting out and looking to enter the DTF market on a budget. Featuring a single semi-industrial XP-600 printhead, this compact, direct-to-film desktop station provides the ideal balance of affordability, performance and reliability.

This system is perfect for smaller businesses and print shops. Like all DTF printers, it must be used for at least an hour daily. The printer has automatic cleaning, intelligent ink level monitoring and white ink circulation systems included. To make this unit more affordable than its bigger brothers, it uses an XP-600 semi-industrial printhead.

DTF is the best technology for printing non-synthetic white fabrics and all dark fabrics. The print is detailed with good colours and excellent wash durability. It is even being used to replace heat transfer vinyl because there is no cutting, no weeding, no tracing of images and it’s much cheaper to do, even counting the maintenance these printers require.

The printer takes eight minutes to print a full colour, full coverage A3 page, while adding of the powder, curing and transferring takes a maximum of two minutes in total. The systems include the best quality inks and film that the company can get along with a high definition powder with a particle size of under 80 microns to ensure all the fine detail in the print transfers. Fiery Cadlink DTF raster image processing (RIP) software is included with this system.

The automatic shaker oven is perfect for production volumes. If users are going to do small volumes, they can shake the powder onto the print by hand and use the infrared curing oven (optional extras) which is essential to ensure even curing. The beauty of using the automatic shaker and curing unit is that the user can set the printer to print and do something else while the print is being made ready for transfer.

Miro 13 Max DTF Powder Shaker And Oven

Miro 13 Max is the DTF Station’s newest automatic DTF powder, shaker and dryer, developed to pair alongside DTF Prestige A4, R1, R2 and R2 Pro DTF solutions. With bottom platen heating for even, consistently cured transfers and a built-in air purifier for safer, more eco-friendly powdering, this shaker helps make powdering DTF transfers a breeze. Plus, at just 1170W (1.17KW), this shaker requires no special electrical adjustments to install or use. Coupled with its intuitive interface for easy operation, users will be printing and powdering transfers in no time.

FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo, taking place from 9-11 September 2025, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Gallagher Convention Centre from 9am-5pm, is sponsored by Stixo and Roland. Entrance is free, please register online.

JG ELECTRONICS
+27 11 789 6033
sign@jge.co.za
https://www.jgelectronics.com/

FESPA Highlights Future-Focused Agenda With New Branding

adminfespa — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 10:19:29 +0000

FESPA has unveiled its new, sleek branding which highlights and reflects its future-focused agenda for the company and the wider print industry. The new branding, launched at the same time as FESPA’s new strapline: ‘Connect, Inspire, Support’, signifies more than a visual change.

It is a reflection of FESPA’s purpose: to serve its community, promote creativity, and connect print professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive.

The refreshed look features a sleek, modern font and fresh logos that deliver consistency across FESPA’s branded assets and event portfolio. It is clean and vibrant, and highlights FESPA’s commitment to facilitating innovation, collaboration and excellence.

The new branding is being rolled out across all FESPA platforms, including its website, social media channels, member communications and flagship exhibitions.

Duncan MacOwan, Head of Marketing and Events at FESPA, commented: ‘Our new look is fresh, futuristic and brings a new level of clarity to how we present ourselves to our global community. Importantly, it reinforces our commitment to inspiring and supporting our network as the print landscape continues to evolve.’

The new branding coincides with the release of the FESPA Future manifesto, which details how FESPA connects, inspires and supports its community beyond its global exhibitions. The FESPA Future manifesto is the first FESPA report to be entirely designed in the new branding.

The ways in which FESPA connects, inspires and supports its community beyond its events include that it shares insights and signposts trends through its Thought Leadership Partner Keypoint Intelligence, as well as its various channels. It stimulates innovation and knowledge-sharing via its website, content hubs and Club FESPA content.

It promotes sustainability and leads by example, having received ISO Certification for Sustainable Event Management in 2024. It actively engages the next generation of printers through its Associations’ activities and Youth Engagement Days at its global exhibitions. It reinvests into its Associations’ activities and programmes across the world. It provides printed educational resources and other support to underserved communities around the world, while also encouraging sustainable practices across the print sector, through its sister organisation, The FESPA Foundation.

Upcoming FESPA events include FESPA Africa 2025, taking place 9 – 11 September (new expo days: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) at Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg.

FESPA
https://www.fespa.com/en