Fespa China grows digital print quotient

Organisers say Fespa China, set down for November 18-20 in Shanghai, has begun to take shape with strong involvement from major international suppliers and an increased emphasis on digital print technologies.

Digital hardware brands with a confirmed presence on the Fespa China exhibition floor include Epson, Fujifilm, Kornit Digital, Mimaki and Mutoh. Digital software and consumables will also have representation with a range of international exhibitors of workflow solutions, materials and inks.

The two-day Future for Print Conference, a free educational feature within the show, will feature speakers from HP, Xaar and Kornit Digital, among a line-up of influential speakers from China and worldwide.

One third of the exhibitor bookings for Fespa China come from international suppliers. The exhibition has a 30-year heritage from its time as CSGIA, a show for Chinese screen and textile printers, created and developed by CSGIA, Fespa’s Chinese national association. The event has alternated annually between Guangzhou and Shanghai, and the last edition attracted attendance of 12,670. Fespa China 2013 marks the inaugural event delivered through a joint venture of Fespa and CSGIA, with support from regional trade organisation ASGA.

Nigel Steffens, chief executive of Fespa, who devised the plans for Fespa China, says, “When we launched Fespa China in partnership with CSGIA, we had three key objectives with regard to developing the existing event. Firstly, to transform CSGIA into a more international event, by attracting high calibre exhibitors from outside China, and appealing to visitors from neighbouring countries, in addition to the loyal Chinese visitor audience.

“Secondly, we wanted to help CSGIA make the event more representative of the contemporary printing industry, by giving it a greater focus on digital technologies. Chinese printers are recognising the importance of investing in digital to innovate and compete on the international stage, and they need guidance from Fespa and CSGIA, and from the leading digital suppliers.

“Our third key intention was to enhance the CSGIA event by incorporating the type of educational and inspirational content which visitors expect from global Fespa events. With the free on-site Future for Print conference, and other visitor features focused on garment printing and vehicle wrapping, we will deliver an event which is engaging and enlightening for Chinese printers.”

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