Fespa confirms feature programme for Fespa Global Print Expo 2023

FESPA Global Print Expo 2023, co-located with European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience, will return three popular FESPA visitor features –World Wrap Masters, FESPA Awards and Sustainability Spotlight.

FESPA Global Print Expo 2023 will host the World Wrap Masters Europe and Series Final, on Tuesday, 23 and Wednesday, 24 May, with the final regional qualifying event – Wrap Masters Europe.

The successful competitors from days one and two will then compete against winners of the regional heats in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway and the UK & Ireland. The final, which takes place across Thursday, 25 May and Friday, 26 May, will feature a series of timed events requiring competitors to wrap cars and surprise objects against the clock.

Sponsored by HEXIS and HP, the competition will be judged by vehicle wrap experts, including Kiss Lajos, Ole Solskin, Justin Pate and 2022 World Wrap Masters Champion Ivan Tenchev. Visitors interested in vehicle wrapping can also access free daily training workshops and demonstrations delivered in conjunction with The Wrap Institute.

The FESPA Awards returns for the first time since 2019; entries opened in May 2022. Over 210 submissions from 34 countries have been received and judged by a panel of independent experts. The shortlisted entries will be displayed in the West Entrance of Messe Munich for visitors’ enjoyment throughout FESPA Global Print Expo 2023. The category winners will be announced in a VIP ceremony on 24 May.

This year, Sustainability Spotlight allows visitors to see and touch various environmentally responsible graphics and textile material samples, including leather and leather alternatives, natural fibres, cellulosics and synthetics supplied by participating companies. In addition, each substrate will feature an information card so participants can learn more about its sustainable attributes and how to produce innovative, environmentally-conscious products. The headline partner is ReBoard Technology, which will supply the recyclable and reusable material used to build the showcase area.

FESPA is also launching a new online Sustainability hub, providing free and universal access to FESPA’s extensive content on this topic. This includes the FESPA Planet Friendly guides, which detail up-to-date environmental information and legislation, and over 150 informative articles and best-practice case studies on implementing environmental performance improvements in a speciality print business. The hub will also feature a new, on-demand video series hosted by FESPA sustainability expert Graeme Richardson-Locke. In conversation with suppliers, print service providers and sustainability experts, Graeme will explore how to minimise the environmental impact of businesses and print processes.

“Visitors to FESPA exhibitions are always looking for ways to increase their industry knowledge, find inspiration and learn from other printers and visual communicators. Our popular features are set to deliver just that. With the return of the FESPA Awards, we’re showcasing the diverse talent across our global print and signage community. Maximising the reach of our educational content is essential to our mission, so we’re delighted to launch two brand-new online content hubs to offer multiple perspectives on sustainability and interior décor,” says Michael Ryan, Head of FESPA Global Print Expo.

The Sustainability content hub will be accessible via FESPA.com from May 2023. In addition, visitors to FESPA Global Print Expo 2023 can view an edited content stream in a seating area within the Sustainability Spotlight showcase.

Printeriors will also be a virtual showcase hosted on FESPA.com, providing an ‘always-on’ online resource detailing the dozens of interior décor applications created for the physical Printeriors showcase since its inception. Launching in May 2023, the new Printeriors microsite will feature case studies explaining the production methods, technologies and substrates behind each application and articles and podcasts discussing the interior décor opportunity.