Textile to Make Landmark Debut at FESPA 2026, Barcelona
FESPA Global Print Expo will return to Fira de Barcelona from 19-22 May 2026, setting the stage for one of the most ambitious editions in the organisation’s history. This landmark edition gathering will transform the Spanish business hub into a massive centre of innovation, occupying multiple halls to accommodate the significant expansion of its specialised co-located events.
Central to this year’s excitement is the highly anticipated launch of the dedicated Textile event, which marks the first time the sector has been given its own distinct platform within the broader expo framework. From garment manufacturing and decoration to soft furnishings and printed apparel, Textile 2026 delivers insight, technology, and innovation that drive real business growth.
While textile printing has long been a staple of the FESPA circuit, this standalone feature represents a strategic pivot to address surging global demand for apparel, sportswear, and interior décor. The inaugural showcase arrives at a critical time when the industry is shifting towards on-demand manufacturing and localised supply chains, making Barcelona the epicentre for the next generation of garment production.
The exhibition floor will host a vast array of market leaders who are setting the pace for digital and screen-based textile solutions, including B-FLEX ITALIA, Brother, Digital Serigraphic Technologies, Fabrixa, Kornit Digital, ROQ, STAHLS’ Europe, and UFABRIK. The exhibition space will showcase various textile-related technologies and consumables, including roll-to-roll machinery, direct-to-film (DTF) and direct-to-garment (DTG) machinery, design and workflow software, high volume industrial systems designed to minimise water consumption and chemical waste, and inks and coatings.
The free-to-attend conference sessions will have industry stalwarts delve on topics such as enhancing productivity and efficiency, reducing operational impact, and waste reduction. The event will also offer ample networking opportunities with brands and designers who are looking for more agile, environmentally responsible textile production supply chains.
“With the launch of Textile, we’re creating a focused environment that directly addresses the challenges faced by textile printers, garment brands, sportswear makers, and interior designers, while giving printers the textile-focused insight they need to invest and expand,” says FESPA Head of Marketing and Events Duncan MacOwan. “With emphasis on innovation and knowledge sharing, Textile will help visitors to make smarter production decisions; improve speed-to-market and profitability; embrace sustainable, on demand manufacturing; and convert creative ideas into functional, profitable outcomes.”
Callum Legg, FESPA Group Sales and Project Manager, adds, “Textile will be a directional meeting point for experts to congregate, discover new opportunities, explore responsible textile production, and understand the multiple factors influencing the future of textile printing.”
By hosting this debut in a city renowned for its rich fashion heritage and industrial design, FESPA is strategically positioning its new flagship textile showcase to capture the energy of a rapidly evolving market. With this, FESPA 2026 stands to be remembered as the moment the textile sector moved from a supporting role to a headline act, setting a new benchmark for global trade shows.
