Textile Printing

Largest ever FESPA Mexico

Friday 12. September 2014 - Biggest exhibitor and visitor attendance at FESPA Mexico 2014

FESPA Mexico 2014, 21 – 23 August 2014, has been hailed the largest FESPA Mexico event to date, with 10,173 unique visitors attending the event across the three days.
FESPA Mexico 2014 is the most successful Mexico event yet in terms of both visitor and exhibitor numbers. The 10,173 visitor number is an increase of 27% on the 2013 event and 20% on the previous best attended Mexico event – FESPA Mexico 2012.
A total of 144 exhibitors, up 13% on 2013, lined the halls of Centro Banamex in Mexico City. International brands made up 30% of the show floor, a 10% increase on 2013.
The theme for this year’s event, ‘Connect with Print Innovation’, was illustrated during the show by the most comprehensive collection of technology and exhibitors ever seen at Mexico events. This year, there was a host of feature content for visitors to enjoy and absorb, as well as many opportunities to share knowledge and best practice.
The World Wrap Masters returned to FESPA Mexico 2014 for an action packed three days with 16 teams competing against each other to be crowned ‘Wrap Masters’. This year the teams had the added difficulty of wrapping not just cars, but mannequins, toilet seats and speakers. The feature was a popular show attraction and on the final day, Jim Miller of the USA and Phil Aqen of Canada were declared the winners.
The Connect Conference proved there is a strong appetite for sharing information and best practice in Mexico. The conference, which provided a global line-up of speakers, constantly drew in the crowds. Seminar highlights included 3D printing, POP innovation and outdoor advertising.
Garment Central, hosted by garment guru and FESPA favourite Charlie Taublieb, provided visitors interested in textile printing and garment decoration with workshops on screen and textile printing, including hands-on sessions and demonstrations.
The top designs from FESPA Mexico’s t-shirt competition, which ran prior to the event, were displayed onsite. The winning design went to Oscar Cruz Becerril, whose zombie t-shirt design received the most public votes.
Exhibitor feedback reinforced the positive vibe throughout the event, with exhibitors pleased with the optimism and buying potential of visitors.
Brian Phipps, V.P. & General Manager, Mutoh America Inc., provides his thoughts on the event: “Traffic was great, very busy. We received hundreds of leads from all over Latin America and we took deposits on several of our new Mutoh printers during the show. That is always a good sign when qualified attendees are willing to spend money on the show floor.”
Mark Vasilantone, President, Vastex Intl., comments: “Fantastic visitors on all three counts – quantity, quality, and geographic spread. We generated nearly 600 good qualified leads, and are in the process of qualifying several new dealers – these were our objectives for the show, and we have achieved both.”
Hugo A. Álvarez González, Gerente General, Sumiprint, summarised his time at FESPA Mexico 2014: “The traffic to our stand was wonderful. We generated good leads and got many new contacts. We will be participating at FESPA Mexico 2015.”
Ivan Carrozzo, Americas Sales Manager, MS Printing Solutions, comments: “FESPA Mexico 2014 was great. The level of visitors was high and with keen interest in new technology.”
Xavier Niebla O’Gorman, Operations and Technical Director, Delta E Cero, S.A. de C.V., adds: “FESPA Mexico 2014 was the best marketing platform to launch a new product to the market, customers had a first-hand look of the machine and were ready to buy.”
Chantal Purcelle, Marketing Projects and Events, Gildan, notes her experience of FESPA Mexico 2014: “I can’t say enough good things about the FESPA Mexico 2014 event. We had a great show this year with plenty of traffic and we are confident that this will turn into increased sales for the Gildan brand.”
Group Exhibition Manager at FESPA, Michael Ryan comments: “FESPA Mexico 2014 continues to grow each year. Visitors’ energy and excitement didn’t falter throughout the three days. It’s great to see the optimism flow through the halls in Mexico City, the relationships we’ve built and developed with our existing and new exhibitors over the seven years has helped the show grow and develop.
“We’ve already had incredible demand for space for FESPA Mexico 2015 from our 2014 exhibitors, as well as global brands who missed out securing a space at this year’s event. We are now focusing on the year ahead and providing the Mexican and Central American print communities with many more opportunities to develop and grow their businesses.”