FESPA 2007 to be next year’s major forum for digital imaging

FESPA 2007 is predicted to feature a unique showcase of digital imaging technology, with manufacturers of digital solutions eager to confirm their participation at the exhibition, which takes place in Berlin, 5th – 9th June 2007.  With seven months to go, nearly 24,000 square meters of floor space is already confirmed, and six of the eleven halls will be dedicated to digital technology – equating to double the entire space used at FESPA Digital Printing Europe, held in May 2006. The latest names to confirm their presence include Caldera, Mimaki, 3M, Sphl, and Ferrari, as well as DGI, Cromajet, and Teka, who will be first time FESPA exhibitors. 

‘Increasing market demands for quick turnaround and high quality print product mean that wide format printers are under ever increasing pressure to stay ahead of the competition,’ commented Frazer Chesterman, FESPA exhibitions director.  ‘Innovation in the digital arena continues at a fast pace and this technology can empower printers to not only meet customer needs but grow their businesses; with most vendors showcasing their entire portfolio and some launching new offerings at FESPA 2007, this exhibition is the place to see it, try it, and discover new techniques and thinking.’

Visitor research conducted by Socratic Technologies following FESPA Digital Printing Europe 2006 indicates that key decision makers consider FESPA 2007 to be pivotal in their buying process. 

Key findings include:

o Of those surveyed, 90 per cent plan to purchase digital machinery within the next two years, with 36 per cent aiming to purchase a UV flatbed digital printer, 24 per cent aiming to purchase a roll to roll combined digital printer, and 30 per cent aiming to purchase a solvent digital inkjet printer
o Almost 80 per cent of those surveyed plan to visit FESPA 2007
o 96 per cent of those surveyed ranked the overall value of FESPA Digital Printing Europe 2006 as good/very good

Mr Chesterman concluded: ‘We are very excited about the growing presence of digital technology at FESPA exhibitions, and are attracting more and more interest not just from printer manufacturers but from suppliers of digital prepress and finishing equipment.  FESPA 2007 is set to be a blockbuster show and a must-attend event for companies making purchasing decisions involving digital imaging technology next year.’