It’s the first Global Print Expo to take place since pandemic restrictions were fully lifted in Europe. The show opened this morning (23 May).

Fespa head of global business development and the expo Michael Ryan addressed the crowd and gave his fulsome thanks to everyone involved with making the show happen.

“This year it’s all about new perspectives from Fespa. It’s all about coming here with an open mind, and finding new solutions and new people to do business with,” Ryan said.  

“Our industry is so creative, with endless possibilities. So, to everyone who was come here from across the world, welcome, welcome, welcome.”

Fespa president Christophe Aussenac also spoke. He said: “We are here this week to celebrate our industry, connect with and inspire one another, and learn from experts who can help guide you and your business.

“Our conversations and interactions have the power to stimulate our thinking and drive us forward – both as individual entrepreneurs and as a global community.

“This is the value of Fespa, which you cannot measure, but for me it is also the very essence of our organisation.”

After the opening remarks a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place featuring the Fespa team, board members and associations.

Ryan told the FespaDaily: “It’s great at the opening ceremony to see so many people ready to come in.

“Walking around the halls, everything looks really fantastic – loads of new solutions, applications and innovations for the industry. And it’s great to see everyone back together.”

Fespa Global Print Expo runs from 23-26 May. The event also includes European Sign Expo and the new Personalisation Experience exhibition and conference.

The show will also host the final of the World Wrap Masters.

There are more than 500 companies exhibiting across the exhibition.