Fespa BBQ achieves record-breaking attendance figures in Melbourne

Over 100 members of Australia’s wide format printing industry attended the legendary Fespa Australia BBQ at The Richmond Rowing Club Boathouse in Melbourne on 15 February.

The stunning venue formed the hub for members to gather against the backdrop of the Yarra River’s south bank and the city skyline, and enjoy the balmy Melbourne weather.

Matt Ashman (Durst), Keith Ferrel (Cactus Imaging) and Josie-De Sousa-Reay (Kine Graffiti)

The BBQ event has been running for at least 30 years and was organised by Fespa Australia president Nigel Davies and sponsored by Avery Dennison, Ball & Doggett, Currie Group, Cactus Imaging, Durst, Coritex, Kissel + Wolf and Spicers.

Nigel Spicer (Cactus Imaging), Glen Makary (Spicers) with Steve and Bonnie Lane

The event drew a diverse crowd with members enjoying drinks and a sit down catered BBQ meal while they caught up with industry colleagues.

Phil Rennell (Kornit Digital) and David Asker (Imagebox and VP Fespa)

Fespa’s president Nigel Davies welcomed members and thanked the event sponsors before David Asker, vice-president of the association took to the floor, acknowledging how the record-breaking figures at the event that evening was testament to the industry’s involvement, thanking all those in attendance.

Asker went on to highlight some of the initiatives in place for the year, namely the Sydney BBQ event set for 15 March – and invited Sydneysiders to compete for higher attendance figures there – as well as the associations “big programs” which are scheduled to run again, namely the Future Leaders event (date to be confirmed) and the Fespa Conference, which co-locates with the ProPrint Awards, scheduled for 3 November.

Troy Neighbour (Fujifilm Australia) and Kai Hennig (Carr Group)

He mentioned that last year’s conference had received “great feedback from everyone” and that the Fespa team was in the process of developing the 2023 program.

Asker also pointed out that a number of cohorts and Future Leaders from last year’s event were in attendance, and that the Fespa Board is delighted with how well they have continued to work together with the program.