FESPA 2015 drew its largest total audience with 23,137 individual (unique) visitors to Koelnmesse over the five days of the show held 18-22 May.
The figures represent an increase of 17% compared with the previous flagship FESPA event in London in 2013.
The speciality print show played host to more than 750 exhibitors under four distinct event brands: FESPA 2015 (screen, digital and textile printing); FESPA Fabric (garment printing and decoration); European Sign Expo (non-printed signage) and Printeriors (printed interior décor).
The show also offered visitors an Educational Hub, Sign Hub, Wrap Cup Masters vehicle wrapping area, 3D and Industrial Print Showcases, a gallery of FESPA Awards entries, and the new Printeriors conference featuring speakers from the interior design and architectural communities.
An increased emphasis on textile applications – including soft signage, interior décor applications and garment printing – was notable throughout the halls. This was reinforced by the publication on Wednesday 20 May of the six directional trends emerging from FESPA’s global Print Census, one of which was the rise of textile applications as a means of diversification for print service providers.
FESPA CEO Neil Felton commented, ‘This was the most colourful, most comprehensive FESPA event we have ever delivered, and printers from all over the world touched down in Cologne, ready to discover their universe of print. This record attendance is an unmistakable signal of the renewed energy, optimism and engagement of our global community of suppliers and service providers.
‘The fact that so many visitors committed more than a day to the show reflects the vast spectrum of innovative products and applications that were there to be explored, and cements FESPA’s reputation as the most comprehensive global event for wide format and speciality print.’
