With over 150 brands set to be present at the event, including 3M, Brother, Avery Dennison, EPSON, CMYK, HP and Mutoh, you can discover a host of solutions including digital, flatbed, direct-to-garment printing and engraving technologies; materials such as sign vinyl, adhesives and wrapping films; consumables; inks and much more!

Alongside the comprehensive exhibitor showcase, you can also gain valuable inspiration for growth and access actionable advice from industry experts in our free and educational features on site.

Making its second appearance on 30 January is our FESPA Leadership Exchange (FLEX). After the positive feedback we received from the inaugural event in March 2023, I’m delighted we’re hosting this informative exchange of information and experience again. The sessions, which will be hosted by CMO Council Advisory Board Member Haris Munif, FESPA Board Members Alberto Masserdoti, Christian Duyckaerts, and Christophe Aussenac, and FESPA CEO Neil Felton, will delve into sustainability, new technologies in AI, personalisation, automation and market trends uncovered in the recent FESPA Print Census.

We will also be running a dedicated session focused on digital corrugated packaging hosted by Daniel Brunton, an expert in this sector. The session will delve into the significance of digital print for fibre-based packaging with leading digital printing machinery manufacturers EFI, Kento Hybrid and Koenig & Bauer Durst.

On day one, ColorBase founder and CEO, Marco Roos, will run interactive Colour Confidence workshops. During the workshops, you will receive guidance on the implementation of effective colour management solutions and practical advice on sales management and navigating customer expectations when it comes to colour quality.

Bringing the Sustainability Spotlight feature to the Middle East really was a no-brainer for us, given its popularity at our global events. To discover tips on sustainable production and material alternatives with a display of environmentally responsible graphics and textile samples, visit North Hall 1B of the Dubai Exhibition Centre. If you want to explore what alternative sustainable substrates you could be offering, Sustainability Spotlight is definitely worth a visit.

Regardless of whether you’re active in the vehicle wrapping sector or not, the first-ever World Wrap Masters Middle East competition is a must attend in my opinion. For a chance to compete in the final of World Wrap Masters at FESPA Global Print Expo 2024 (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), our regional wrappers will go head-to-head, wrapping vehicles and other objects against the clock. And, if you want to get involved, our wrapping partners will be hosting daily training workshops and demonstrations for all attendees. The competition is always a huge success at the global exhibitions, and I can't wait to see wrappers from the Middle East participating!

Lastly, but just as importantly, all of FESPA’s national Associations and FESPA Direct members get free access to the Club FESPA lounge. To make the most of your networking opportunities and relax with all day refreshments, visit the lounge on stand B50. And if you’re not already a FESPA Direct member, I’d recommend visiting https://www.fespa.com/en/become-a-member/fespa-direct to find out more about the member benefits before you attend the event.   

So, whether you’re looking to guide your business forward; discover the latest solutions; network with like-minded business professionals and be guided by industry experts; branch out your offering with new technologies; or integrate more sustainable manufacturing, FESPA Middle East is the place for you.

I look forward to welcoming you to Dubai in January!