The FESPA Global Print Expo 2024, that took place on March 19-22 at the RAI Amsterdam, happened to be a major event for the screen, digital, and textile printing industries featured exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in décor, packaging, industrial, and graphics applications. We haven’t been there but carefully reviewed all publicly available video and printed materials to keep a hand of what’s going in vinyl graphic industry in Europe and all around the world. World Wrap Masters, that we paid more attention this year, consisted of several rounds where participants demonstrate their proficiency in various wrapping techniques.
- The Color Change Media competition, sponsored by Arlon Graphics, a leading manufacturer of high-quality vinyl films, was a specialized event that focuses on the art and skill of vehicle color change wraps. Unlike other wrapping competitions that may involve advertising or graphic wraps, this competition specifically emphasized the transformation of a vehicle’s color using vinyl wraps. In addition, the Color Change Media competition included demonstrations and workshops that provided valuable insights into best practices, new techniques, and innovations in vinyl wrapping.
- The Paint Protection Film competition, sponsored by Teckwrap, a renowned manufacturer of high-quality vinyl wraps and protective films, was a specialized event that highlights the skills and techniques involved in applying protective films to vehicles. Unlike color change or advertising wraps, this competition is dedicated to the application of transparent films designed to protect a vehicle’s paint from scratches, chips, and other forms of damage.
- The Printed Media competition, sponsored by ORAFOL, a leading manufacturer of high-quality graphic films, reflective materials and adhesive tapes, is a prominent event that showcased the art and skill of applying printed graphics to various surfaces. The competition tests both the technical skills and the creative abilities of the installers to see their proficiency in handling and applying printed vinyl, as well as an eye for design and aesthetics.
A panel of expert judges evaluated the competitors based on precision, creativity, speed, and overall quality of their work. The judging panel included notable seasoned professionals from the wrapping industry. The final rounds of the competition brought together winners from regional competitions held worldwide, including countries like Brazil, Denmark, Japan, Dubai, and Norway judging that the competition attracts wrappers from around the world by settled an international platform for professionals to showcase their talents.
If you are planning to visit FESPA expo next year that mark your calendar for 6-9 May 2025 in Berlin.
Training and Workshops are always useful so videos of the demos and training sessions conducted by experts from The Wrap Institute gave us some tips of various advanced techniques and best practices like how to perfectly prepping a vehicle for wrapping, using cutting-edge tools for PPF, PVC, and tint applications or techniques for making inlays .
One of important events is actual networking that offers a unique opportunity for installers to network with peers, industry leaders, and potential clients. As any networking events it is an excellent platform for building professional relationships and discovering new business opportunities. Too bad you have to be physically there, no one online platform, yet, allows to have that type of establishing relationships with fellow installers and clients.
Besides the actual competition, World Wrap Masters featured workshops, demonstrations, and seminars conducted by industry experts. These sessions are designed to educate attendees on the latest trends, tools, techniques in vehicle wrapping so installers learned from each other and from industry leaders. The workshops and demos offered invaluable insights into the latest tools, materials, and techniques in the wrapping industry that you may review now at this link. Even more, workshops provided insights into sustainable printing practices and materials allowed to explore over 100 eco-friendly graphics and textile substrates and learn about sustainable production processes. Guided tours, for sure, were really useful – to bad we didn’t attend them… As we read, the event delved into the latest in personalized print solutions, from sportswear to packaging and also featured a one-day conference focusing on on-demand production, the role of AI in customisation, and other industry trends.
The materials dedicated to the signage and visual communications industry for us, professional graphic installers in the GTA, were more interesting, hence event with showcase of the latest developments in both traditional and digital signage, including new technologies in LCD, LED, and e-paper took most of our attention. If you are looking for the new vinyl graphic installation or just planning to do that in a near future than don’t look further – we are always here to help!