FESPA Middle East Adds Floor Space to Meet Industry Demand

FESPA has increased the size of its inaugural FESPA Middle East (29-31 January, 2024, at Dubai Exhibition Centre) by 40%, adding a third hall to the exhibition. The decision follows significant interest in the event from global suppliers and regional distributors.

A range of global suppliers and regional distributors, representing over 130 brands have confirmed their presence at the event. Delegates will see digital wide format, screen and textile printing hardware, software, media and consumables, as well as printed and non-printed signage solutions. Newly confirmed Platinum Sponsor Signtrade has taken a significant space to showcase solutions from over 30 brands, including 3M, Cosign, HP, Starflex, and swissQprint.

Yasin Merchant, Managing Director of Signtrade, comments, “FESPA shares our vision and commitment to delivering unparalleled quality and innovation to the thriving Middle Eastern market, so our participation in FESPA Middle East 2024 was certain. The event enables market expansion, enhances brand recognition, fosters business growth, and delivers valuable industry insights.”

“We’re thrilled about our participation as FESPA Middle East coincides perfectly with our 35th anniversary. This gives us a fantastic platform to celebrate new partnerships, unveil the latest technology, and highlight our ongoing commitment to innovation. Sustainability will be a key focus on our stand, reflecting our commitment to educating and empowering our customers to adopt sustainable practices. We will showcase eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient equipment, and waste reduction solutions,” adds Merchant.

Bazil Cassim, Regional Manager – FESPA Middle East, comments, “We’ve committed to another exhibition hall due to the overwhelming demand and interest from the industry. Since opening visitor registrations, we’ve seen a really positive response from regional stakeholders interested in attending the event. We now have a very strong line-up of exhibitors confirmed for our first event here in the Middle East. And with it, we’re one step closer to fulfilling our goal to expand FESPA’s presence in this region and better support the growing specialty print and signage market here.”

Educational Programme

While visiting the exhibition, participants also have access to a variety of educational opportunities throughout the three-day event.

Delegates to FESPA Middle East can join a series of interactive Colour Confidence workshops on colour management hosted by Marco Roos, CEO and Founder of ColorBase, on 29 January. The first session (10.30 am – 12.30 pm), aimed at print operators, will cover insights and practical guidance on colour management with the view to enhance consistency, diagnose issues, and implement effective solutions. The second session (2.30 pm – 4.30 pm) will address sales professionals and offer actionable advice on effectively communicating with and navigating customer expectations around colour quality and repeatability.

Following the success of the FESPA Leadership Exchange (FLEX) in March 2023, the second edition will be hosted on 30 January, 2024, at FESPA Middle East. FESPA Board Members Christophe Aussenac, Christian Duyckaerts, Alberto Masserdotti, along with FESPA CEO Neil Felton will facilitate a knowledge exchange with the aim of sharing their specialist expertise and global market insights.

The sessions are free to attend for visitors and will cover market trends highlighted in the recent FESPA Print Census, showing rising sustainability demands, new technologies, and changing customer requirements. Located in North Hall 1B of Dubai Exhibition Centre, the Sustainability Spotlight material showcase will provide actionable and educational advice with a display of environmentally responsible graphics and textile material samples. Each substrate will feature an information card so participants can learn more about its sustainable attributes. In partnership with ReBoard Technology, the entire showcase area will be built using recyclable and reusable materials.

FESPA Middle East will also host the first World Wrap Masters Middle East regional competition, where vehicle wrappers will compete for the champion title and a spot in the 2024 World Wrap Masters Final in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The competition will feature a series of timed events requiring competitors to wrap cars and surprise objects against the clock. The competition will be sponsored by Avery Dennison, Mactac and Wrapstock and judged by vehicle wrap experts Ivan Tenchev, Kiss Lajos, and Ole Solskin. Visitors interested in vehicle wrapping can also access free daily training workshops and demonstrations.

Members of FESPA’s national Associations and FESPA Direct members also benefit from free access to the Club FESPA lounge. Located on stand B50, the lounge offers networking opportunities with regional and global printers and signmakers, and will include seminars and all-day refreshments. To become a FESPA Direct member, log on to www.fespa.com/en/become-a-member/fespa-direct

To register for FESPA Middle East 2024, visit www.fespamiddleeast.com/register

For more information about exhibiting opportunities, log on to www.fespamiddleeast.com/exhibiting/why-exhibit