FESPA accelerates support for developing markets with expanded Middle East show and Print For Good foundation
FESPA, the international federation representing print and visual communications businesses, continues to focus on supporting developing markets by addressing their unique opportunities and challenges through dedicated resources, events, initiatives, and education programs. Its strategy centres on fostering collaboration within the global print community to uplift underserved regions and catalyse growth for local print businesses.
A key example of this commitment is the recent launch and rapid expansion of FESPA Middle East, a global print exhibition held in Dubai aimed at serving the burgeoning print and signage markets across the Middle East and Africa. After its successful inauguration in January 2024, the event quickly grew, with the 2025 edition attracting over 3,400 visitors from more than 80 countries and featuring a Sustainability Spotlight conference to underline the sector’s growing environmental responsibilities. This exhibition not only connects senior decision-makers with leading suppliers and distributors but also showcases digital wide format, screen, and textile printing technologies, alongside printed and non-printed signage solutions. Due to significant demand from global and regional industry players, the inaugural 2024 event was expanded by 40%, adding a third hall to accommodate over 130 brands, including major names like 3M, HP, and SwissQprint, with Platinum Sponsor Signtrade showcasing a vast portfolio of over 30 brands.
Alongside this marquee event, FESPA organises region-specific exhibitions that stimulate industry growth in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. FESPA Mexico consistently draws thousands of professionals eager to explore innovations in digital and textile printing, garment decoration, screen printing, and packaging. It also offers live demonstrations and expert-led sessions focused on sustainability, automation, and emerging business opportunities. Similarly, FESPA Brasil, in partnership with APS Fieras, has emerged as a leading digital printing exhibition in Latin America, attracting record attendance of more than 24,000 visitors in 2024 and covering a broad spectrum of printing applications from textiles to 3D printing. In sub-Saharan Africa, FESPA Africa works closely with Practical Publishing to foster industry development.
In early 2025, FESPA launched the FESPA Foundation, reinforcing its dedication to social responsibility through the ‘Print For Good’ initiative. The foundation provides printed educational materials and support to underserved communities globally while promoting sustainable printing practices aligned with FESPA’s ISO 20121:2012 certification for Sustainable Event Management. A notable project involved revitalising Evane Intermediate School in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where the foundation, alongside local partners, repainted and decorated facilities and installed educational posters, transforming the learning environment for 90 students. The foundation also focuses on diverting printed samples from FESPA exhibitions that would otherwise go to waste, redirecting these to community projects and schools. It collects both monetary and in-kind donations distributed via credible local charities to further assist these communities.
Through these multifaceted efforts, FESPA demonstrates how print can be harnessed not only as a commercial industry but also as a force for social good and sustainable development. By supporting developing markets with tailored events and initiatives, alongside impactful community outreach projects, FESPA aims to inspire similar contributions from its wider community, fostering growth and educational opportunities for young people in need around the world.