textile  printing - large format  Fespa Asia-Pacific 

The region’s first ever Fespa Expo (wide format) is about to take place, in Bangkok at the end of November, AP looks at what the show has in store for printers prepared to make the trip to Thailand

Fespa has announced a variety of show highlights at the first ever Fespa World Expo Asia-Pacific event, to be held at the BITEC in Bangkok on November 28 - 30. Print and creative professionals will have the opportunity to hear a number of industry experts speak at the show’s free Inspire Conference sessions and participate in a range of activities, including the Lotus Flower Imaging Award competition, live textile screen printing demonstrations from Charlie Taublieb and VIP helicopter flights over Bangkok.
In the run-up to the show, Fespa will run the Lotus Flower Imaging Award competition. Entrants are asked to print the Fespa World Expo Asia-Pacific imagery (available atwww.fespaasia.com) on any substrate and submit a photograph of the image to Lynda Sutton () by October 17. A panel of industry professionals will choose the winner, based on the most creative and original entry, which will be announced at a special Lotus Flower Imaging Award party at the show. The winner will receive a return flight and two nights' accommodation to Fespa Digital Printing Europe next May in Amsterdam.
Marcus Timson, Fespa Asia-Pacific Event director, comments: “Fespa is committed to making the first-ever Fespa World Expo Asia-Pacific a source of inspiration and learning. The show will provide visitors with an opportunity to view the latest products and hear industry experts discuss the latest market trends, as well as give them the chance to experience a number of exciting show features that will inspire them to think more creatively about their printing. We are thrilled about running the Lotus Flower Imaging Award, which seeks to recognise and reward imaginative and innovative printers for their exceptional work.”

With the buzz in garment production and manufacturing in the Asian market, Charlie's Corner will undoubtedly be a popular visitor attraction at the show for learning best practice in textile screen printing. Charlie Taublieb, an industry guru, world-renowned for his creative screen printing techniques, will demonstrate innovative ways to screen print onto t-shirts with live demonstrations and seminars.
Xaar, Fespa’s Global Technology Partner, will select visitors for VIP helicopter trips from BITEC over Bangkok. With six flights per day, they offer the opportunity for a bird’s eye view of the city’s outdoor advertising and some of the world’s most spectacular large format prints. Mark Alexander, director of marketing at Xaar, says: “After visiting Thailand in March, it became clear how important outdoor advertising is to the Asian marketplace. Xaar occupies a special place in the printing market, so it only seems natural to deliver a special experience for visitors and VIPs to Fespa with these helicopter rides.”

Fespa set to inspire 
Fespa has announced details of its Inspire Conference. The conference sessions will provide print professionals with the inspiration to enhance their businesses and differentiate themselves. Featuring a range of industry authorities, including Michel Caza, Charlie Taublieb and Paul Machin, the conference sessions will provide expert advice on how to use screen and digital printing in the most creative ways. The key themes of the three-day Inspire Conference will be the environment, technology and marketing, building on discussions at the recent Fespa Directors' Summit in Bangkok. Following the opening address by Frazer Chesterman, Inspire Conference host and Fespa managing director, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with leading industry experts on the latest issues, challenges and developments.
The sessions will inform and inspire printers with interesting case studies, research, current trend information, expert opinion and open and interactive forums on the future of screen and digital printing.
Adhiwatra Chanapokakul, Fespa Asia-Pacific Ambassador, comments: “Fespa is enhancing the value visitors will derive from the exhibition by incorporating inspirational and educational elements that printers can integrate into the running of their business.

“Following the feedback we received from the successful Fespa Directors’ Summit, we are very excited about the high calibre speakers that will take part in the Inspire Conference.
“This underlines Fespa’s aim to provide access to high quality education to member associations and other printing professionals across the industry.”
Anders Nilsson, President of Fespa, will present an informative ‘How To’ seminar based on Fespa’s award-winning Sensations book. Participants will receive first-hand guidance on the latest and creative possibilities with screen printing, enabling them to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage over competitors. Charlie’s Corner will undoubtedly be the hub at Fespa World Expo Asia-Pacific for learning best practice in textile screen printing. Charlie Taublieb, an industry veteran world-renowned for his creative screen printing techniques, will be showing innovative ways to screen print onto garments with live demonstrations and mini seminars. “Meeting people interested in the garment printing industry and having the chance to interact, discuss trends and teach them new techniques, is a fantastic opportunity for me,” says Taublieb. “With so much going on in the Asian market from production to manufacturing, I am looking forward to demonstrating the creative possibilities that currently exist with screen printing.”  

Paul Machin, European health & safety and environmental lawyer, industrial chemist and advisor to the European Union Environmental Agency on best environmental practices, will discuss the significance and implication of REACH. As the most comprehensive piece of legislation to be produced by the European Union, this session is fundamental for every printer and supplier who currently sells products or is looking to do so in the EU. Other seminar topics will explore areas such as inkjet and its future for wide format; blending of different printing technologies; colour separation; how to print for profit; and trends for the future, among others. Two debates chaired by Frazer Chesterman will take place during the Inspire Conference.
The Digital debate will see a number of industry authorities respond to and debate questions on the role of digital printing in the industry, while the Green debate will discuss best ‘planet-friendly’ practices and the environmental issues faced by printers today. The Inspire Conference sessions are free-of-charge to Fespa member association members and individuals who pre-register for the show. All other visitors will be charged Baht 1000 per session.