FESPA is a federation of trade associations and an organiser of exhibitions and conferences for the screen and digital printing industry. Formerly, the name FESPA stood for 'The Federation of European Screen Printers Associations'. With the advent of digital technology, FESPA is known by its acronym, which has worldwide recognition[1].
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FESPA is a 'federation of global screen, textile and digital printing trade associations' servicing it's members and the print community at large. FESPA are also an industry leading, global events and exhibitions organiser for the wide format, screen, textile and digital printing community
Formerly, the name FESPA stood for 'The Federation of European Screen Printing Associations'. Now, with the advent of digital technology, FESPA is known by its acronym, which has worldwide brand recognition.
FESPA was formed in 1962. It was set up by a small group of European screen printing associations who’s aim was to create a platform in for them to share knowledge on screen printing technology in Europe. Its original membership was 8 individuals.
To share knowledge amongst its members and access to products and services that adds significant value and performance to their businesses.
To promote imaging and its creative, innovative & unique potential.
To host the world’s leading exhibitions & events for its sector.
Uniquely, in all the marketplaces we serve, FESPA reinvests resources, information and funding back into the industry. The FESPA Projects Committee is charged with assessing project requests from FESPA’s 36 National Associations. Associations are able to apply for funding to help sustain projects designed to promote recruitment and retention and increase the value attached to their membership. FESPA provides investment opportunities for its National Association Members to grow its Association and increase the value of its local membership and promote the industry.
FESPA produces annual reports on the trends, challenges, opportunities and threats confronting the community. The Wide Survey 2007 – The World Wide Survey 2008 & the Economy Survey 2009 – are all undertaken in partnership with InfoTrends – the leading global research organisation for the sector. The reports provide detailed insight into the state of the marketplace and provide National Association membership and community membership with significant value and vital information[2].
In 2007 – FESPA created the award winning FESPA Sensations Book, which is designed to showcase the amazing potential of special effect screen printing. The vision is to promote screen printing through the ultimate showcase ‘Sensations’ as a sales tool and a source of inspiration for creative agencies and their entire community. www.fespasensations.com
FESPA provides a regular forum for information exchange between member Associations resulting in help from the larger to the smaller Associations in recruitment, training and technical studies.
Through the pages of the FESPA World magazine and through www.fespa.com - FESPA provides full communications between member Associations and highlights important developments affecting screen printing and wide format digital imaging.
Concurrently with each main FESPA exhibition, a FESPA Awards competition is held, inviting entries from members and non-members alike in over 20 screen and digital printing categories. The entries are judged by an international panel of established and experienced judges from the worlds of screen and digital printing and presented at a special ceremony which takes place during the FESPA Exhibition.
In 2008 – FESPA launched the Wide Network www.widenetwork.ning.com – a social community networking site designed to enable digital printing specialists to stay in touch, solve problems, make new contacts and promote themselves. Now incorporating over 1,200 members globally, the Wide Network is set to develop further as the only online social media platform for the marketplace.
FESPA, as a federation and organiser of the largest and most successful events for the wide format market – has a duty to provide access to ‘best practice’ environmentally friendly print production. Launched in April 2009 - the visionary ‘Planet Friendly Guide’ is the most comprehensive single source document available which covers all EU environmental legislation affecting screen and digital printers. It contains best available techniques in respect of pollution, waste, emissions to air and water and overall energy management. The guide provides a basis for printers to proceed to securing either EMAS or ISO 14001 accreditation.