Visitors could see a wide range of brands and manufacturers from each corner of the industry
Did you miss this year’s FESPA? Well, do not fear; Sign Update has you covered, curating all the happenings at the event relevant to the world of signage just for you. To start, we spoke to Michael Ryan, head of FESPA Global Print Expo, about the event’s highlights and its many co-located events.
From May 19 – 22 2026, at the Gran Via, Fira de Barcelona, FESPA 2026 – comprising FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, WrapFest, Corrugated and Textile– served as the ideal meeting point for speciality printers and sign makers to network with a host of industry experts, discover new opportunities for business growth, and exchange knowledge and experiences with like-minded professionals.
This year’s strapline, ‘The Place for Experts’ was brought to life as visitors found both technology and industry experts on the show floor, as well
as at the event’s three conference programmes. Every hall was designed to give specialists practical solutions to help their businesses work smarter and stay ahead of industry trends – be it through new technology, smarter workflows or fresh application ideas.
FESPA Global Print Expo
The flagship event, FESPA Global Print Expo, welcomed more than 15,200 visitors from across the globe to discover the latest trends, technologies and developments, as well as exchange and share their knowledge and expertise from across the entire print industry.
The 2026 event welcomed over 600 exhibitors, including Agfa, Canon, Durst, EFI, Epson, HP, Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, Mimaki, Roland and Sun Chemical. FESPA 2026 also incorporated three free-to-attend conference programmes: The FESPA Conference; The Corrugated Conference; and WrapTalks. The FESPA Conference provided insights into print, personalisation and textile, and comprised of a series of expert-led discussions that explored the challenges faced by printers, and how they can leverage opportunities into business growth.
Overall, Barcelona was the perfect host city for FESPA 2026. With six co-located events bringing together specialists from across print, signage, personalisation, vehicle wrapping, packaging, textile and sportswear, the event offered a unique opportunity for visitors to explore innovation, discover new applications and connect with the global community – all under one roof.
A clearer view of industry trends
Attendees could talk to experts from each brand in person
Every year, visitors develop a clear view of the forces shaping the print industry, and this edition of FESPA Global Print Expo was no exception.
Three dominant trends stood out across the show floor: personalisation, sustainability and automation. Personalisation was more apparent on the show floor than ever before, as items such as bags, cups and cookies were printed live at the show for visitors. Expectations for tailored customer experiences are rising rapidly, and demand for unique, premium products has never been higher.
From commercial and promotional print to packaging and apparel, consumers now expect customisation across virtually every category – which is pushing Print Service Providers (PSPs) to expand their capabilities and diversify their offerings.
Sustainability has shifted from a differentiator to a basic requirement. With rising consumer expectations and tightening regulatory frameworks,
businesses across all verticals are expected to demonstrate environmental responsibility. Whether through the adoption of more eco‑conscious materials or investment in energy‑efficient technologies, PSPs are actively reshaping their operations to align with evolving environmental standards.
Automation was also apparent as a theme. As PSPs seek to reduce manual labour, minimise delays and eliminate downtime, automated solutions are
becoming essential. From pre-press checks and finishing to maintenance and job handling, automation enables higher‑volume production with fewer errors and faster turnaround times. In an environment where speed, reliability and consistency are critical, automation is now a central pillar for remaining competitive in fast‑paced markets.
European Sign Expo
Dedicated solely to signage and visual communication, European Sign Expo spotlighted the latest products and solutions across channel lettering, digital signage, dimensional signage, engraving and etching, LED, sign solutions and more.
Visitors to the event explored industry trends and networked with forward-thinking signage professionals. Exhibitors included: BannerMate, Domino Sign, Grupo Woon, Harmuth CNC, Letra Corporea, LT-Systems Europe, Mouse-PS LTD and NSELED.
Personalisation experience
Visitors could see panels and discussions from industry experts
Personalisation Experience enabled experts – both visitors and exhibitors – to demonstrate and explore the value of customisation. They were able to
see how it creates a unique, highly valued customer experience that drives commercial growth.
Visitors also had the opportunity to connect with a host of industry specialists, brands and suppliers, including: Antigro Designer, OnPrintShop Software, PHOTO USA, Printess, xTool and ZSK Stickmaschinen.
WrapFest
WrapFest 2026 highlighted wrap-focused applications and solutions, including: self-adhesive wrap films, software and design, tools and accessories, alongside a series of live demos, technical tips and skills development opportunities.
WrapFest exhibitors, among others, included APA, Antalis, Arlon, Hexis, LX Hausys, GSWF, SOIF, UPF and many more.
Visitors to WrapFest 2026 also had the opportunity to experience the high-energy World Wrap Masters (Europe and Series Final) competitions and attend WrapTalks sessions.
Corrugated
Corrugated brought together manufacturers of corrugated packaging and display solutions with suppliers of machinery, print technology, software,
materials and automation.
The event spotlighted solutions that cover the full corrugated production workflow. This included digital and hybrid print technologies, converting
and finishing equipment, workflow and automation software, consumables, substrates, robotics and plant logistics.
Exhibitors included: Barberan SA, BAYSEK SOLUTIONS LCC, Bobst, BW Papersystems, Canon, Dücker Prefeeder, Freidheim International, HP, Hybrid Software Development, Kento Digital Printing, KINGT, Scodix, Sun Automation Group, TCY Machinery and Wonderjet.
Textile
Textile provided a platform for visitors who work with printed textiles, including fashion, apparel and interior décor to explore industry trends, see the latest innovations, and exchange knowledge and expertise. In the exhibition, visitors were able to explore new machinery, inks, materials and workflow software, while gaining access to expertise from across the wider print ecosystem. They were also able to see a variety of applications and
technologies – from roll-to-roll digital systems and direct to garment printing, to finishing equipment, colour management tools and substrates.
Exhibitors included: AS Colour, Brother, Chemica, Easiway Systems, Exile Technologies, Hotronix, Kornit Digital, Melco International, Polyprint SA, Roq, and STAHLS’ Europe.
2027: The return to Munich
Michael concluded: “It gives me great pleasure to announce that FESPA Global Print Expo will return, alongside European Sign Expo, Personalisation
Experience, WrapFest and Textile, to the Messe Munich, from April 6 – 9 2027.
“As we move closer to 2027, our focus remains on delivering an event that reflects the shifting needs and expectations of the global print community.
“We look forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitors back to Munich for another year of innovation, collaboration and industry‑defining insight.”
