Fespa returns but ANZ printers absent

The thrice postponed Fespa Global that has just taken place in Amsterdam attracted 7,850 visitors, down by two thirds on the 2019 event, as Covid restrictions kept printers from outside Europe to a minimum.

Australian and New Zealand printers, usually notable in number at Fespa, were amongst those who were absent, with Covid travel restrictions preventing attendance.

Half of the visitors to the relocated show came from Germany and the Benelux countries, with printers from the UK, Italy, France, Spain and Poland also notable in their attendance.

Around half the printers at the show came for more than one day, close to half, 44 per cent were owners or managing directors, and more than half, 54 per cent, were at Fespa for the first time.

Fespa Global was the first big industry trade show to run since the onset of Covid. Next year a plethora of trade events and expos will be running, including Fespa Global in Berlin from 31 May to 3 June, with a strong ANZ cohort expected.

Speaking on the Amsterdam show, Neil Felton, Fespa CEO comments: “Feedback from exhibitors was effusive, with many commenting on the upbeat mood among visitors, the unmatched value of face-to-face conversations with senior decision-makers, the enthusiasm for the new technologies and consumables on display, and the overriding sense of optimism for the future. The buzz in the halls was energising and the impression was that delegates felt confident and happy to be in a live event environment again after such a long time.”