Over 74% of floor space has been reserved for FESPA Africa 2014, and there has been a 40% increase in space booked for this exhibition over the 2013 Sign Africa Expo - an indication that the industry is enthusiastic about the event and is positive about its success. With hall 3 already sold out, FESPA Africa - which will showcase all aspects of wide format digital printing, garment decoration, screen printing and signage - is set to be the biggest expo for the industry in sub-Saharan Africa.

The exhibition, a joint venture between FESPA and South African event organiser Practical Publishing, will incorporate Sign Africa and Visual Communications Africa shows to provide printers, sign makers and visual communications practitioners a focused event to explore the latest technologies and trends.

FESPA Africa, taking place 2-4 July 2014 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in halls 1, 2 and 3 is proudly sponsored by Roland and Avery Dennison.

Michael Ryan, Group Exhibition Manager at FESPA comments, “Global manufacturers consider FESPA Africa and the integrated Sign Africa expo as the perfect regional event to attract visitors from across the continent.The early response to FESPA Africa has been tremendousand we look forward to providing the community an event to see new equipment and business opportunities.”

Major brands exhibiting at the expo include: Roland, Avery Dennison, Epson, HP, Mimaki, Durst, Kodak, OKI, Kornit Digital, Fujifilm, Agfa, swissQprint, Esko, Seiko, Aristo, Optimus, Pantone, Evonik, Sharp, Monti Antonio and MS Italy, to name a few.

Holger Morhart, General Manager, Evonik Acrylics Africa (EAA), a global player and now a local manufacturer in South Africa said, “The Sign Africa show has always been a central part of our marketing strategy in South Africa. It is the only world-class event for the regional industry where we can meet face-to-face with clients and potential new business. Now under the FESPA brand, it gives the event global exposure and we are looking forward to a bigger and better event.”

Mimaki distributor for sub-Saharan Africa, Rob Franco from Graphics Supply World states, “We are thrilled to be associated with FESPA Africa, we received very good responses from various brands we represent, who have committed to bringing their newest innovations, some of which haven’t been seen in Africa.”

“Sign Africa has always provided Midcomp with the perfect platform to showcase its extensive range of product solutions,” says Sean Greer, Marketing Manager of Midcomp that represents leading brands such as Hewlett Packard and Zünd. “FESPA is an international event and we trust that FESPA Africa will increase the quality and quantity of visitors, as well as add an exciting new dynamic to the show. We look forward to being a part of the event in 2014.”

Jose De Sousa from Createx comments, “FESPA Africa is the ideal place for us to showcase our textile products. We believe the exhibition is the way forward, and we are sure to achieve excellent sales.”

Dyelan Copeland, Director and Organiser of FESPA Africa remarks on the increased bookings for the trade show, “The stand reservations and growth have come from both existing exhibitors booking larger stands and attracting new exhibitors to the event. We are really happy with the FESPA partnership and are confident we will deliver a great FESPA Africa for the regional print and signage community.”