ectional meeting point for speciality printers and sign-makers”. With speciality printers and sign-makers continuing to diversify and move into new and emerging markets, FESPA’s 2026 offering demonstrates the multiple areas and solutions printers and sign-makers can explore and invest into. As has been the case for the past few years, many wellknown manufacturers and media providers have signed up, including Agfa, Durst, HP, Kongsberg, Roland, Epson, Caldera, Hexis, 3M, Mimaki, Kornit, Brother, Mutoh, EFI, and swissQprint. The show this year is running under the strapline ‘The Place for Experts’ which Ryan says places the community front of mind. “Whether you’re an exhibitor, associations member, visitor, or part of the FESPA team, you are the experts and we’re confident that FESPA Global Print Expo and it’s co-located events will enable you to broaden your expertise.” The thinking behind this year’s strapline is to set the tone for what visitors can expect by entering what Ryan calls an “environment where knowledge sharing and innovation are at the forefront.” Talking about the approach in more detail, Ryan says: “Instead of simply showcasing products, FESPA 2026 will focus on highlighting insights from, and problem-solving for: print, signage, textile, and corrugated applications. Every hall is designed to offer experts in attendance with solutions to help their businesses work smarter and stay ahead of industry trends. “The strapline highlights the strength of our community. Visitors will be able to connect with peers and suppliers who understand their challenges and can offer solutions. It shows that FESPA is a trusted place where experts can ask questions, explore innovations, and make confident investment decisions.” One of FESPA’s focuses this year is on knowledge sharing, which has led to Keypoint Intelligence being announced as the Thought Leadership Partner for the exhibition; following the collaboration built with the two organisations in 2025. The arrangement means that Keypoint Intelligence, which provides independent hands-on testing, lab data, and market research for the digital imaging industry, will contribute research and market insights to the event program. FESPA’s New Textile Showcase When talking about the new additions that have been added to this year’s show, Ryan says that the FESPA federation has seen several different trends emerge, and businesses entering verticals such as apparel print, and corrugated packaging and display products. Textile will focus on printed textiles including fashion, apparel, and interior décor, with experts on hands to share knowledge and exchange ideas. Ryan explains: “Attendees will have the opportunity to explore various textile-related technologies and consumables, including roll-to-roll machinery, direct-to-garment (DTG), and direct-to-fabric (DTF) machinery. Alongside this, throughout the Textile conference programme, delegates will hear from experts on topics such as enhancing productivity and efficiency, reducing operational impact, and waste reduction.” With Textile looking to shine a light on the technologies, processes, and applications shaping printed textiles and garment decoration, many well-known and industry specific businesses have decided to attend along with other exhibitors which will showcase textile solutions across the entire show. Companies like Epson, InkTec Europe, EFI, and Mimaki have been highlighted and positioned in largely the Global Print Expo part of the show (those mentioned being in Hall 3), but with proximity to the Textile event in order for those exhibitors to offer their crossover solutions for the textile and apparel markets. When asked about the target audience for this show, Duncan MacOwan, head of Marketing and Events at FESPA, says: “The core audience for Textile includes producers of printed textiles for fashion, sportswear, leisurewear, workwear, soft signage, and interior décor. This also includes established screen and digital textile printers, DTG and DTF specialists, garment decorators, industrial print service providers (PSPs), transfer manufacturers, and any other print provider that would like 36 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 264 - April | May 2026 FESPA 2026 PREVIEW | DAVID OSGAR Instead of simply showcasing products, FESPA 2026 will focus on highlighting insights from, and problem-solving for: print, signage, textile, and corrugated applications FESPA 2026 will bring together over 550 exhibitors across six shows 550 ▲This year’s FESPA will host its new Textile event which will include exhibitors such as STAHLS’, Kornit Digital, and Brother
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjM0NDIxOA==