FESPA Global Print Expo (GPE) 2022, one of Europe’s leading industrial signage and printing exhibitions, brought the industry together at Messe Berlin on May 31-June 3. The exhibition, where innovations in serigraphy, digital, wide format and textile printing were presented, created a business volume of 1.3 billion euros and revived the sector, while at the same time, it showed that the printing industry is ready to leave behind the difficulties experienced in the last two years. 375 exhibitors took part in the eagerly-awaited exhibition that reached a large number of visitors from Germany, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands and England. Exhibitors from all industries and of all sizes expressed their satisfaction to return to the FESPA event, stating that the exhibition will bring the industry back to life commercially.
Exhibitors left FESPA GPE 2022 with strong business opportunities
FESPA Head of Global Print Expo Michael Ryan said that they finally could deliver an all-round FESPA experience for exhibitors and visitors and the consensus was that the vibe at the show was incredible. Ryan explained that every industry has been affected because of the pandemic and the printing industry is no exception. He continued; “But this show proved beyond doubt that print is resilient, creative, agile and focused on the future. With more than 60% of visitors having final purchasing authority or influence, many exhibitors referenced the high quality of contacts and conversations and left FESPA 2022 with confirmed sales, new distribution partnerships and strong business opportunities for the short- to medium-term.”
Durst, the event’s Platinum Sponsor, CEO Christoph Gamper disclosed; “It was one of the best experiences I and my team members had in a trade show so far. So thank you Berlin, thank you FESPA!”
1.3 billion euros worth of business volume
FESPA Global Print Expo 2022, together with European Sign Expo, attracted 11,647 unique visitors, a 48% increase on the Autumn 2021 event, with return trips over multiple days bringing total attendance to 15,969 visits. Analysis of the pre-event registration data provided by the 53% of visitors who chose to reveal their investment budget confirms significant readiness to invest at or soon after the show. Among these delegates, the total business volume was announced as 1.3 billion euros, not accounting for those visitors who did not indicate their plans.
Kornit Digital Europe Director of Sales & Marketing EMEA Kathrin Buhl emphasised the commercial impact of the event; “We really had the best selling show ever! People came here to sign and to do business, so for us it is a very successful show and we are happy to be back.”
Caldera Marketing & Operations Vice President Sebastien Hanssens said; “There is an outstanding quality of people coming in with real projects, real demands looking for innovations, looking for new applications so really, this is the place to be.”
“Trade volume provides powerful evidence of a rebound in our global community”
FESPA CEO Neil Felton disclosed; “The significant spending power of our visitor base and the broad international audience together offer powerful evidence of a rebound in our global community” and remarked that they see confidence returning, inspiring business leaders to invest and also to resume business travel, live events and face-to-face networking where they know it will deliver tangible value for them. Felton continued; “The glowing feedback from exhibitors and visitors in Berlin tells us that the speciality print community wants and needs to engage in person, and that FESPA is where they come together. Now we are looking ahead to the return of strong FESPA events in Mexico, Eurasia and Brazil, and beyond to our next Global Print Expo in Munich in May 2023. We cannot wait to stimulate the same energy and optimism in speciality print communities in other regions.”