Fespa Digital 2014 will incorporate four feature hubs: Digital, Wrap, Signage and Fabric. Each will provide themed presentations, debates, networking and demonstrations.
The Digital Hub, delivered in partnership with Mimaki, will offer presentations of market research, market entry tips, as well as presentations focussing on: business skills (sales and marketing, recruitment (finance); applications (such as interiors - glass, wood, metal, wallpaper); instore (personalisation, rapid turnaround); efficiency (across all aspects from print processes to logistics); and technical (design, colour profiling, finishing).
Visitors will also be invited to demonstrations of three key digital print technologies and connect with speakers and their peers in the VIP networking area.
"The Digital Hub includes everything visitors need to share ideas and strengthen relationships with customers, prospects and other like-minded individuals,” said Mike Horsten, EMEA marketing manager, Mimaki.
The Wrap Hub will stage the return of the World Wrap Masters, where professional wrappers from around the world compete for the title of World Wrap Master 2014, as well as an opportunity for visitors to try their hand at wrapping against the clock. It also presents a variety of wrap applications beyond vehicles including furniture, flooring and other interior applications.
The Signage Theatre, in the co-located European Sign Expo, will offer market research and presentations on channel lettering, sign installation best practice and soft signage.
The Fabric Hub, in partnership with Kornit Digital, will share market research and presentations focussing on direct-to-garment printing, volume textile printing for fashion and interior applications such as soft furnishings. Textile print applications will also be showcased in the textile VIP networking lounge.
Fespa head of events and new media, Duncan MacOwan, said: “This year we have distilled the learning element of the Fespa Digital experience to make it easier for visitors to identify opportunities they want to hear more about and find them on the show floor during their busy schedules at the show.
“Building on the record levels of engagement with our inspiring feature content at Fespa 2013, where 4,967 visitors engaged with our features, we want to ensure that visitors to the exhibition not only see the latest technologies, but also benefit from expert advice on how to deploy these technologies to grow their profits in the fast-moving digital print markets.”