At the just concluded Sign Africa and Africa Print Shows in Johannesburg, South Africa, Neil Felton – FESPA Managing Director was conspicuously present – both at the Shows and at Exhibitor Function/ Award Night – to not only promote the coming FESPA AFRICA 2014 but to also support FESPA Partners – the duo of Dyelan Copeland and Charnia Absil of Practical Publishing PTY – organisers of Sign Africa and Africa Print events. WHERE To Print magazine caught up with Neil and he shared his thoughts on the coming FESPA AFRICA 2014 as well as other sundry issues. Excerpt:
Let’s start with the obvious; why Africa for FESPA?
FESPA is the Federation of European Screen Print Associations. We are truly international. We are a global player in the industry with federation of 37 associations – out of it, 10 are outside Europe. Coming to Africa is a tactical move for us. Africa is a very interesting continent for us and with interests from our suppliers to go to Africa, we partner with the industry major player – Practical Publishing – to bring FESPA into Africa.
What’s going to be new at FESPA AFRICA 2014?
We are going to stage the best ever wide format printing event for the African market. This is because we will be looking at the African market peculiarities to stage trainings, conferences and workshops. We are going to be looking at the market, the people, and the system – differently. We are also adding international partners like you – WHERE To Print magazine – in promoting the show all over Africa. We are going to have the best quality features, contents and editorials!
Why Johannesburg?
It’s obviously the location. The location is good. Gallagher Convention Centre has a world-class facility while Johannesburg itself is a great city with modern and functional facilities such as world-class international airport, hotels, train system and tourist attractions.
Any idea on the next African market to launch FESPA?
Everything is possible. We are still studying the African market in its entirety and with our marketing campaign that started from the Barcelona Show – from Revolution to Evolution and just recently – Destination at FESPA, London UK; we are going to apply what we’ve garnered so far to determine our next move.
What’s your relationship with Practical Publishing going to be like on FESPA Africa?
We’ve been working with Dyelan and Charnia (directors at Practical Publishing – organisers of Sign Africa and Africa Print Shows) since our Barcelona show in Spain. The way they work together with passion and with their staff is similar with the way we work at FESPA Office in London, UK. Their passion shows that they believe in their product. Without them, we don’t think we can come to Africa. They have the experience, the network and the market support – so we have to work together to create a good brand that our customers will be proud of.
What future do you see for FESPA Africa?
The future is very great. The market is here; the African people; and there’s an advance retailing experience is growing. Africa is an attractive place to do business. We only have to get this right – and the world is our oyster. From then, everything will follow.
ABOUT FESPA
Founded in 1962, FESPA is a global federation of 37 member associations for the screen printing, digital printing and textile printing community. FESPA’s dual aim is to promote screen printing and digital imaging and to share knowledge about screen and digital printing with its members across the world, helping them to grow their businesses and learn about the latest developments in their fast growing industries.
FESPA Profit for Purpose
Our shareholders are the industry. FESPA has invested millions of Euros into the global printing community over the last 7 years, supporting the growth of the market. For more information visit www.fespa.com/profit-for-purpose.html
Upcoming FESPA Events include:
- FESPA Eurasia 2013, 3-5 October 2013, Istanbul, Turkey
- FESPA China 2013, 18-20 November 2013, Shanghai, China
- FESPA Digital 2014, 20-23 May 2014, Munich, Germany
FESPA Africa, 2-4 July 2014, Johannesburg, South Africa
