The recent FESPA 2015 Global Expo proved just how successful FESPA has been at consolidating its brand in Asia, as it welcomed a significant increase in Asian visitors,
including nearly 300 from China. Among the 23137 visitors to FESPA 2015 in Cologne, Germany, there was a 59% increase in representatives from Asia compared with FESPA 2010, making up 5% of the total visitor base. This highlights how the FESPA brand is strengthening its presence in the region, and how the wide format marketplace is of growing interest to leading Asian printers. 
Asian success in the FESPA Awards
Taking place during the show, the FESPA Awards 2015 were also a very popular contest for Asian printers. Accounting for nearly 50% of the shortlisted entries across all categories, with particular emphasis on posters, fine art reproductions, special effect screen, and t-shirts and other garments, the skillset from Asia was certainly showcased to its best advantage.
Asian printers won three of the seventeen categories. The Posters (Single Sheets & Multi-Sheets) and Fine Art categories were both won by Kumazawa Screen Printing, Inc., Japan. Sincerely Screen Co., Ltd. from Thailand was awarded Gold in the T-shirt category.
The coveted Hall of Fame Award, which is dedicated to an outstanding individual in the printing world and voted for online by the FESPA community, was awarded to Mark Gervais from Ningbo Shenzhou Knitting Co., Ltd in China. This demonstrates how exceptional developments in Asia are recognised across the globe.
Roz McGuinness, Divisional Director of FESPA comments: "The impact our FESPA China brand is having on awareness of FESPA in Asia is very positive. We are delighted that visitor numbers from Asia to our Global Expo have grown significantly since FESPA 2010, and the increase in numbers from China in particular is very encouraging. The main FESPA exhibition not only allows visitors from the region to see new technologies first hand, but also to attend demonstrations and seminars from industry leaders which provide insight into where the future may lie.
"When we first launched FESPA China in 2013 our goal was to increase the number of international visitors to the existing event, while also providing more focus on digital technology. The fact that more Asian visitors are attending our flagship European event shows a greater interest in digital printing in the region, as people travel across continents to see the latest digital technology and to meet the principal manufacturers. With more and more international brands exhibiting at FESPA China, local printers can also benefit from the same exposure to leading global suppliers at the regional event in October 2015."
FESPA China 2015, taking place from 21-23 October in Shanghai, will be the third event of its kind. The 2015 event is expected to further strengthen the ties FESPA has with Asian suppliers, printers and opinion formers.
FESPA China 2015
www.fespachina.com
