The Fespa organised WrapFest show, for vinyl installation and vehicle wrapping professionals, will return to the Silverstone Race Circuit on 3-4 October 2024 following an inaugural event this spring.
Fespa has said a wider array of exhibitors is due on the show floor in 2024, placing a new focus on different sectors within the industry. Alongside companies showcasing digital print machinery and printing software suitable for the printing of vinyl wraps, garage flooring and ramp suppliers will also present their latest equipment. Companies specialising in handling and finishing equipment and complimentary products will also be present at the event. In turn, the event aims to attract new professionals from within the wrap industry as well as representatives from livery and race teams, as vehicle customisation becomes more sought after.
The vehicle modification industry has seen significant growth in the past five years and is expected to increase by a further 3.5% CAGR, from 2023-2028. Increasingly consumers want personalised vehicles, while companies are investing in fleet expansion, with the UK leading the way for innovation in Europe.
As industry trends develop, a key focus once again will be on vehicle finishes and vinyls, such as super high-gloss and colour change. Alongside this, PPF - still heavily in its growth phase - will be extensively showcased at WrapFest 2024, with exhibitors set to highlight its versatility as a protective wrap and its complementary features to existing vinyl options.
Popular 2023 show features will return in 2024. Event sponsors will have a dedicated space in the crowd-favourite pit garages at Silverstone for live demonstrations, allowing visitors to learn fresh application styles and techniques from industry experts. The WrapTalks speaker programme will also return.
WrapFest 2024 will host the World Wrap Masters United Kingdom and Ireland competition too. The top regional wrap installers will go head-to-head and face a series of timed challenges over the course of the two-day show, determining who will continue to the World Wrap Masters Final 2025.
Duncan MacOwan, head of marketing and events, Fespa, said: “The inaugural WrapFest in 2023 was hailed a huge success, and received incredibly positive feedback from the industry. As the sector continues to grow, WrapFest 2024 looks set to be even bigger and better than before. Next year, the event will once again aim to connect our wider industry, in the hope of sharing knowledge and showcasing the latest innovations on the market. The exhibitors, features and visitors we are bringing to the show next year will position WrapFest as the leading trade event for vinyl wrapping and vehicle customisation in Europe.”
Feedback from the 2023 event saw 78% of visitors expressing interest in returning in 2024 and Fespa said that, in total, the show helped facilitate £55m worth of business during the two-days. The success of the inaugural event highlighted the collaboration from within the wrapping industry, which has led to the development of new technologies that have helped deliver innovative services for clients.