FESPA expands event portfolio with two new brand launches

FESPA is growing its event portfolio with two new launches – Corrugated and Textile – both of which will debut at FESPA 2026 from 19-22 May 2026 in Barcelona.

Corrugated is a joint venture between FESPA and packaging specialist Brunton Publications. It will provide a dedicated platform for manufacturers of corrugated cardboard packaging and display solutions to meet suppliers of materials, machinery, workflow software and other technologies.

The new Textile event builds on FESPA’s long heritage in screen and digital garment printing, spotlighting the technologies and materials shaping textile and garment production.

The events will take place alongside the flagship FESPA Global Print Expo 2026, creating a mega-event that brings together five co-located events under one roof: FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, Corrugated, and Textile.

Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA said, “FESPA has a positive track record of identifying areas of growth potential for our community and providing an environment where they can discover and understand the possible impact on their own businesses. With the launch of Textile and Corrugated alongside our established print, signage and personalisation events, we’re creating a single destination where connected business communities can explore a multitude of opportunities. In Barcelona, FESPA 2026 will be bigger, stronger and even more diverse, further solidifying FESPA as the leading global event and knowledge-sharing platform for all aspects of specialty print”.

Corrugated

In addition to a 1,500sqm exhibition space, Corrugated’s conference programme will explore topics shaping the sector’s future. Points of discussion will include new EU legislation, such as PPWR; cyber security in the modern box plant; emerging opportunities offered by AI; the role of national and international trade associations and more. Delegates will also hear case studies from brands and design agencies that have adopted corrugated packaging for its sustainability benefits.

Corrugated’s dedicated exhibition and conference programme will appeal to printers in POS and packaging wishing to connect directly with OEMs, and material suppliers serving the international corrugated industry. The event is also expected to attract leaders from small- and medium-sized sheet and box plants.

FESPA has appointed Nick Kirby, non-executive director of Zeus Packaging, as its Corrugated ambassador.

“Corrugated is an exciting event launch and one that I’m proud to support in my new role with FESPA. I will be helping the event team to build relationships in the global corrugated community and raising awareness of FESPA’s activities across the sector. Corrugated is a valuable addition to FESPA’s evolving event portfolio and I’m looking forward to seeing it come to life in Barcelona in 2026,” Kirby said

Textile

Comprising an exhibition and dedicated conference programme, Textile is designed specifically for visitors who work with printed textiles including garments, sportswear and interior décor. The event will serve as a concentrated platform for producers of these applications to explore industry trends, see the latest innovations, and exchange knowledge and expertise.

The exhibition space will showcase various textile-related technologies and consumables, including: roll-to-roll machinery; direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-fabric (DTF) machinery; design and workflow software; embroidery and sewing equipment; finishing equipment; material and apparels; inks and coatings; and more.

The event will also offer visitors networking opportunities with brands and designers who are looking for more agile, environmentally responsible textile production supply chains.

Duncan MacOwan, head of marketing and events, said, “With the launch of Textile, we’re creating a focused environment that directly addresses the challenges faced by textile printers, garment brands, sportswear producers and interior designers, while giving printers the textile-focused insight they need to invest and expand.”

 “With the emphasis on innovation and knowledge-sharing, Textile will help visitors to make smarter production decisions, improve speed-to-market and profitability, embrace sustainable, on-demand manufacturing, and convert creative ideas into functional, profitable outcomes.”

FESPA Global Print Expo

FESPA will host its flagship event, FESPA Global Print Expo, and co-located events, European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience from 19 – 22 May 2026, at the Fira de Barcelona.

Together, the five co-located events offer a concentrated opportunity for visitors to meet with a broad range of experts from across the speciality print and signage industries, discover an array of products and solutions, and develop their understanding of market trends and new potential revenue streams.

FESPA last hosted an event at Fira de Barcelona in 2012. The centrally located venue is easily accessible via transport links and is a popular choice for FESPA exhibitors and visitors.

Michael Ryan, head of FESPA Global Print Expo, said “It’s thirteen years since we last hosted a major FESPA exhibition in Spain and we’re delighted to return. This year’s event strapline, ‘The place for Experts’, underlines FESPA’s exceptional value as a global meeting point for visitors and exhibitors to share the insights and innovations that have the potential to shape the future of speciality print and visual communications. It reminds us of the energy and inspiration that comes when we take time to connect, learn, and hear from the minds driving change.

 “FESPA’s mission is to serve our global community, so in 2026 we’re providing visitors with access to more knowledge and expertise than ever before, all accessed via a single visitor ticket. Our new, focused Corrugated and Textile events provide platforms for visitors to explore new markets and consider multiple potential avenues for their own business growth.

“With five focused events under one roof, we’re confident that FESPA 2026 will provide printers, sign-makers, garment producers and packaging converters with refreshed perspectives that will help them map new pathways to success.”

FESPA Global Print Expo 2026, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, Corrugated and Textile, will feature a host of leading suppliers showcasing the latest technologies, media, services and consumables for the speciality print sector and related vertical markets.

Confirmed exhibitors to date include: 3M, AGFA, Brother, Caldera, Durst, EFI, Hexis, Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, Kornit Digital, Mutoh, Summa, SwissQprint, Transmatic and UPM.

FESPA 2026 will also incorporate two free-to-attend Conference Programmes – one covering textile and personalisation; the other covering corrugated – offering visitors access to a choice of informative sessions on print, signage, textile, personalisation and corrugated. Attendees will hear from expert speakers on the latest trends and opportunities, as well as what the future has in store for businesses in these fields.

The dedicated website for FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo and Personalisation is now live at https://www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com/. For more information on Corrugated, visit: https://europe.fespa.com/corrugated, and to learn more about Textile, visit: https://europe.fespa.com/textile.

Registration for all five events will open in January 2026 and visitors can purchase super early bird tickets to all five events for €25.

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