THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

The stage is set as the world of label and packaging manufaturing converge in the historic Spanish city of Barcelona for Labelexpo Europe 2025. With more products, more launches and more live demonstrations expected at the world’s largest event for the label and package printing industry, this SPECIAL FEATURE ARTICLE highlights brief history of the biennial event, its significance to manufaturing, and what to expect in the culturally diversed City of Barcelona as its Fira Gran Via venue plays host to THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH. This exclusive expose’ comes with vital information on how visitors especially from this part of the African continent can effortlessly secure their Schengen visas to attend. Read on!

Launched in London United Kingdom in 1980, moved to Brussels Belgium in 1985 and after 38 years, Labelexpo Europe heads to Barcelona Spain for its biggest edition yet. From 16 to 19 September 2025, the vibrant city with rich cultural scene, offering diverse museums, lively theaters, and a fabulous food scene blending Catalan and Spanish cuisines will play host to the world’s largest congregation of label and packaging players under one roof. More on Barcelona in a bit; but what should visitors expect at Labelexpo Europe 2025?

WHAT TO EXPECT

In a single cluster, visitors will be fully immersed in a world of label and package print technology as leading industry suppliers from across the world converge. Discover how the world’s biggest exhibition dedicated to label, flexible packaging and folding carton print and converting technology showcases the vibrant festival of innovation, precision and imagination. Labelexpo Europe 2025 is indeed your all-access pass to label innovation where you will see live demonstrations of flexo, digital and hybrid presses, automated finishing systems and AI workflows. You will also experience digital embellishment and laser die cutting technologies firsthand. Not only that, you are expected to explore opportunities in short-run flexible packaging and inline folding cartons that meet sustainability goals with recyclable materials. All these are expected to further enhance your knowledge on topical issues such as Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) through industry keynote sessions and Master Classes. In a nutshell, discover why this event is a must-attend experience on the following five key points:

5 REASONS TO VISIT

With 96% of exhibitors rebooked on-site during 2023 edition, join up to 40,000 visitors from 140 countries at the world’s largest label event to:

1. SEE – live demonstrations of the latest machinery and new materials in: Digital and conventional printing presses; High tech label and packaging materials; Prepress and platemaking technology; Finishing and converting systems; Inspection, overprinting and label application equipment; Dies, cutters, rollers; Inks and coatings; Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and security solutions; Software and interactive technology, amongst others.
2. LEARN – about global label trends and technologies that will not only keep you ahead of your competitors but also expose you to ideas that will help drive your costs down through environmentally sustainable ways, improve your operational efficiency, supply chain management, and workflow thereby reducing your press downtime leading to sustainable growth and profitability of your business.
3. MEET – the world’s leading suppliers and network with industry experts to not only fulfil the present needs of your clients but also help you enter new high-value niche markets.
4. ENGAGE – with innovative suppliers that will give you the competitive edge required for value-added services to attract new clients.
5. GROW – Explore your growth opportunities with latest label and packaging technologies.

 WHO SHOULD VISIT?

The world’s greatest label show is made for:

1. Printers/Converters of labels
2. Printers/Converters of flexible packaging
3. Printers/Converters of folding cartons
4. Brand Owners
5. Label and Packaging Designers

So if you are one of those mentioned above or your work, career or interest span the label and packaging value-chain, then start planning to come to the Spainish city of Barcelona this September from 16 to 19 and hear the noise of machinery in operation, feel the texture of the substrates and see the print quality for yourself. Whether you are choosing machinery or materials, it is vital you feel confident about your decisions. The best way to do this is to see all the options together in one place with one-on-one live demo experience and ample opportunities to ask tough and insightful questions that will allow you make informed invesment decisions.

 WHY BARCELONA, SPAIN?

A global benchmark in a variety of areas, Spain is one of the world’s main tourist destinations. It is the second-ranked country in the world in terms of World Heritage Cities, the third-ranked in terms of natural spaces declared to be Biosphere Reserves and the country with the most Blue Flag beaches in the northern hemisphere. According to International Trade Administration on Spain – Market Overview of 31 July 2024 – Spain is the fourth-largest economy in the Eurozone, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $1.4 trillion (€1.3 trillion) and a population of 47.6 million people. Spain’s economic value is significant, ranking as the 14th largest economy globally. The country’s economy is characterized by a strong services sector, particularly tourism, and a robust industrial sector with key industries including automotive, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.

Barcelona is renowned for its world-class hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities. With more than 40,000 hotel rooms, estimated to be double that available in Brussels, accommodation will be easier and more affordable. Historically, the first human settlements in Barcelona date back to Neolithic times. The city itself was founded by the Romans who set up a colony called Barcino at the end of the 1st century. The colony had some thousand inhabitants and was bounded by a defensive wall, the remains of which can still be seen in the old town.

For over 200 years, Barcelona was under Muslim rule, and, following the Christian reconquest, it became a county of the Carolingian Empire and one of the main residences of the court of the Crown of Aragon. The fruitful medieval period established Barcelona’s position as the economic and political centre of the Western Mediterranean. The city’s Gothic Quarter bears witness to the splendour enjoyed by the city from the 13th to the 15th centuries. From the 15th to 18th centuries Barcelona entered a period of decline, while it struggled to maintain its economic and political independence. This struggle ended in 1714, when the city fell to the Bourbon troops and Catalonia’s and Catalans’ rights and privileges were suppressed.

A period of cultural recovery began in the mid-19th century with the arrival of the development of the textile industry. During this period, which was known as the Renaixença, Catalan regained prominence as a literary language. The 20th century ushered in widespread urban renewal throughout Barcelona city, culminating in its landmark Eixample district, which showcases some of Barcelona’s most distinctive Catalan art-nouveau, or modernista buildings. The Catalan Antoni Gaudí, one of the most eminent architects, designed buildings such as the Casa Milà (known as La Pedrera, the Catalan for stone quarry), the Casa Batlló and the Sagrada Família church, which have become world-famous landmarks.

The freedoms achieved during this period were severely restricted during the Civil War in 1936 and the subsequent dictatorship. With the reinstatement of democracy in 1978, Barcelona society regained its economic strength and the Catalan language was restored. The city’s hosting of the 1992 Olympic Games gave fresh impetus to Barcelona’s potential and reaffirmed its status as a major metropolis. In 2004, the Forum of Cultures reclaimed industrial zones to convert them into residential districts. An example of the renewed vigour with which Barcelona is looking towards the 21st century.

Hotels

The only partner Labelexpo Europe organiser – Tarsus Group LTD works with is bnetwork. Access the portal (https://labelexpohotels.bnetwork.com/) to access special discounts unavailable anywhere else.

For more information on Barcelona attractions, tours, and restaurants check out the official Barcelona website: www.barcelonaturisme.com

WHY FIRA BARCELONA?

Fira Gran Via is one of Europe’s largest and best connected exhibition centres. The venue is a 15-minute drive from the international airport and is located on two metro lines. For those driving to the show, there are 4,800 parking places on site. With its incredibly larger halls that promote easy flow of visitors around the show as well as making loading (of machinery) easier, Fira’s halls are also equipped with a ventilation system to continuously replenish air thereby improving indoor air quality creating a healthy environment for all. Its complimentary WiFi can link up to 128,000 concurrent users while it also has a strong commitment to sustainability – for example there are 26,000 solar panels installed on the roof. The Fira has extensive high-quality food options to meet all dietary and culinary needs. According to Tarsus Group LTD – Labelexpo Europe organiser, participants are assured of the following:

Getting to the show

Attending Labelexpo Europe 2025 at Fira Gran Via is easier than ever. With its prime location in the heart of Barcelona, the venue is well-connected by various transportation options, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. Whether you are flying into the city, arriving by train, or driving, you will benefit from excellent links to airports, public transit, and nearby accommodation.

By Metro
Fira Gran Via is just a few minutes’ walk from Fira and Europa/Fira metro stations where you can take the L9 South metro line to/from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. You can also take the L10 South to Foc station, which is a 20 minute walk away. Tarsus Group is pleased to offer a 50% discount on metro travel during our show. The metro connects the entire city, including the airport, with a direct line (L9) to Fira (the closest stop to East Access). Discounted tickets can be purchased at the registration desk at East Access.

By Rail

Fira Gran Via is easily accessible by a number of trainlines run by FGC (Catalan Government Railways). You can get lines L8, S3, S4, S8, S9, R5, R50, R6 and R60 to Europa/Fira Station, serving Fira South and East Access. Barcelona-Sants station, 4 km from the venue, is connected to a comprehensive regional, national and international railway network. Tarsus Group is also delighted to offer all participants of Labelexpo Europe a 15% discount on RENFE high-speed and long-distance train journeys. To take advantage of this offer, please contact the Customer Service team at: labelexpocs@informa.com

By Air

Tarsus Group has partnered with SkyTeam to give you discounts on your flights. Barcelona-El Prat Airport has two terminals, T1 and T2, where around 100 airlines operate. For direct access from the airport:

• By road: a 12 KM journey (C-31)
• Underground: L9 South (Fira and Europa/Fira stations)
• Bus: TMB Line 46 (Pl. Europa stop)

By Road

The Fira Gran Via is located in a new business development area, connected to the main motorways and dual carriageways leading into Barcelona:

AP-7, AP-2, A-2, C-16, C-58, C-31, C-32, C-3

• There are two parking garages: C & D
• GPS Coordinates: 41.35448, 2.12698

A taxi rank will be located outside the East Access with connections to the airport and the city. A free shuttle will run from the East Access of Fira Gran Via to Plaça d’Espanya, a key transport hub in the city. Buses will run every 15 minutes in the afternoon.

Opening Times

• Tuesday, 16 September, 9:30 – 17:30
• Wednesday, 17 September, 9:30 – 17:30
• Thursday, 18 September, 9:30 – 17:30
• Friday, 19 September, 9:30 – 16:00

LAST ENTRY: 30 MINS BEFORE CLOSE

GET READY FOR FESTA BARCELONA!

Join thousands of likeminds at Labelexpo Europe 2025 as Tarsus Group launches Festa Barcelona!

Sponsored by Durst, Flint Group and supported by the Barcelona Convention Bureau, Festa Barcelona is a networking party taking place on the evening of 16 September. It’s a perfect opportunity to:

✅Connect with likeminded individuals

✅Network with industry leaders

✅Grow your professional relationships

✅Enjoy some food and bubbly on us!

Get your dancing shoes on and reserve your spot today by registering now to join industry leaders whilst immersing yourself in the electric culture of Barcelona!

Start planning for Labelexpo Europe 2025 with these three (3) simple steps to register and attend via www.labelexpo-europe.com:

1. Review prices and deadlines
2. Book your tickets
3. Attend the event

ATTENDING LABELEXPO EUROPE 2025

Except you are attending from a visa exempt country like Europe and the likes (please check Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation website www.exteriores.gob.es for details), visitors to Spain as a Schengen country generally require Schengen visas. For events such as Labelexpo Europe 2025, the normal visa category required is either a Business Visa or Conference Visa. And both are Short Term Visas which can be procured (in this case if you are a Nigerian passport holder or have valid resident permit) through BLS International Services Nigeria Inc – the legal identity of BLS International Services LTD in Nigeria and the specialist service provider of Outsourcing for Visa, Passport, Consular, Attestation and Apostille Services to some Diplomatic Missions around the world.

Its portal (https://nigeria.blsspainvisa.com) is the official website of the Spain Visa Application Centre and provides information on how to apply for a Schengen visa to travel to Spain as your main country of destination. The guidelines listed on the site helps to prepare your documents as accurately as possible. This will reduce the chances of your application being delayed or rejected due to incomplete or faulty submission of documents.

APPLYING FOR BUSNESS/ CONFERENCE/ CONGRESS/ TRADE FAIR VISA

Short Term Visa (Maximum stay of 90 days)

This kind of Visa allows one to do Business, Meeting, Training etc and travel within the Schengen Territory a maximum of 90 days per year. You may enter the Schengen territory as a visitor, but you are not allowed to work. Applicants are advised to submit their complete files at least 3 working weeks before the intended date of departure, even though you can submit your visa application up to 3 months prior to your date of travel.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

According to BLS International Services Nigeria Spain Visa Application Centre, the following are the requirments for Short Term Visa:

• Application Form to be filled with either blue or black pen or type-filled duly filled in and signed by the applicant. The application form must be correctly filled. Please note that the Embassy of Spain has instructed that Sworn Declaration is mandatory to be provided along Visa Application Form at the time of submission.
• Two (2) recent photographs (35×45 mm) of the applicant with white background must be attached in the Application Form. Face must be bold in the photographs.
• International Passport of the applicant with at least 3 blank pages, which should be valid for at least three months after the duration of intended stay. This document should have been issued in the last Five (5) years. Colour photocopy of the biodata page and all visas granted in the last four years. Applicants must also submit all theirs previous passports.
• Invitation Letters of Spanish companies must be addressed to the Consulate General of Spain in Lagos, they must be written in Spanish and must be sent to the applicant by Courier Service. Applicants must also include an original Invitation Letter along with their applications. Photocopies and scans are not accepted. In the Invitation Letter, the Spanish company must state the reason behind the invitation, the personal data of the guests (name and surname, passport number, expedition and expiration dates, etc.), the kind of trade relations and its antiquity, and so on. Moreover the Spanish company must take charge of the welfare of the guests and of the immigration liabilities. It is also very advisable that the Spanish company submits, simultaneously, the Invitation Letter in Word or PDF format to: cog.lagos.vis@maec.es
• Proof of commercial relations with the inviting company (original Bills of Lading, custom clearance documents, etc.). It is also advisable to provide hotel bills, money exchange receipts, boarding passes, etc., as proof of previous trips to Spain.
• All original documents of the Nigerian company that is sending you on the business trip (Certificate of Incorporation or Registration, Memorandum of Articles of Association, Tax Clearance Certificate, etc.)
• Proof of Income. Applicants shall present documents indicating that they possess sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to his country of origin or residence. If employee: Letter of Appointment, Leave Letter, Salary Slips of the last 6 months, Bank Statement of the last 6 months where your salary comes in, Bank Statements of other accounts. If you are a businessman/businesswoman: All original documents relating to the Company (Certificate of Incorporation or Registration, Memorandum of Articles of Association, Tax Clearance Certificate, etc.), Bank Statements of the last 6 months (personal and business).
• Covering Letter from the applicant, explaining in detail the purpose of the visit. All cover letters must include details of any other accompanying persons as well. This includes business associates traveling for the same purpose.
• Original Personal Bank Statements of the applicant for last six (6) months is required for submission at the Consulate General of Spain, Nigeria with the original stamp and signature of authorized signatory of the bank (Online Bank statements without original stamp and signature are not acceptable).This is a mandatory statement.
• Proof of Travel Insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros to cover any expense which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and /or emergency hospital treatment. The insurance must be valid throughout the territory of the Member States. The duration of the insurance cover must include the entire period of stay and additionally fifteen days more after the proposed date of departure out of the Schengen territory. Applicants are informed that travel medical insurance issued only by Nigerian insurance companies would be accepted for visa procedures. However, visa applicants may seek to obtain insurance in any other country where claims against the insurance company would be recoverable in a Schengen state.
• Flight Bookings. Applicants are strongly advised not to purchase tickets before their application is processed. A flight booking is enough for presentation. Applicants must include the flights between Spain and other countries. If applicants intend to travel to different Spanish and Schengen cities they also have to include train booking, bus booking, etc.

Other notes:

• Any other document that the applicant may consider appropriate to support his/her application.
• Authorization Form signed in original by the applicant, in favour of BLS International Services.
• BLS International will accept the photocopy as well as original of the document after verifying the document at the time of submission.
• The visa fee in Naira is as per current exchange rate. It is subject to change without notice.
• There is a service charge of NGN 30,100 per application over and above the visa fees.
• All payments are to be paid in cash at the centre.
• Visa Fee and service charge to be paid at Bank Implant inside BLS centre. Kindly carry the applicant’s datapage passport photocopy while paying the service fee and the visa fee at the bank.
• The above BLS Service Charge and Visa Processing Fees though subject to change, are also non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Submission Time is from 8:00 till 14:00. Last entry time inside the centre is 14:30.
• Processed Passports can be collected from The Spanish Visa Application Centre between 8:00 –16:00. Applicants can instantly track the status of their application by clicking on Track your Application.
• Timeline: An application MUST be lodged at least 15 working days before the intended visit and cannot be lodged earlier than TWELVE WEEKS before the start of the intended visit. It is an applicant’s own responsibility to take the necessary precautions in relation to the processing time, deadlines, etc.
• The application should be submitted personally at the BLS International Services centre.

Processing Time

Applications accepted at the Spain Visa Application Centre will be submitted on the next working day at the Embassy of Spain/Consulate General of Spain. Once the application has been submitted, the applicant can be further requested additional documentation in support of the same. Please note as per the instructions received from Embassy of Spain minimum processing time is 20 Calendar days (It may delay depending on case to case). All applications must be submitted at least 20 days prior to the proposed date of travel to accommodate any unforeseen processing delays. Processing time will start excluding the date of submission of application at BLS International Services. Applicants submitting the applications with short processing time will be required to fill up the Declaration form.

• Please note that possession of a Schengen visa does NOT guarantee entry into a Schengen state, and no rights can be derived from the information obtained in the general Schengen visa information.

 IMPORTANT WARNING (Caveat):

1. Visa information provided here is for information purpose only and are used at your own risk.
2. Visa rules are subject to change without notice.
3. For more information on Schengen visa process, please contact the relevant Consular Office in your country for most up-to-date information.

© www.labelexpo-europe.com

© www.nigeria.blsspainvisa.com

© www.exteriores.gob.es

© www.barcelonaturisme.com

© https://www.trade.gov