Jack Gocher catches up with Chris Minn from Digital Ink to discuss the unique energy of FESPA Middle East held earlier in January.
In this video interview, Jack speaks with Chris Minn from Digital Ink to get an insider’s perspective on the recent FESPA Middle East exhibition in Dubai. Now in its third year, the show is carving out a distinct identity separate from its European counterparts.
We discuss how the event has shifted its focus heavily towards education and community building, meeting a specific demand from business owners in the region. Chris shares his observations on the unique economic drivers in the Middle East, from construction to tourism, that are fuelling a boom for wide-format printers.
Chris says, “There was a huge uptake on the conference and the focus on education this year. Fespa has spent a lot of time working on that area. Last year was fantastic… but this year they brought more conversation in AI and moved on again, more about automation.”
He also explains, “It was apparent that community was going to be something that the Gulf region wanted. The Club Fespa area was very busy with people from many countries within the region coming together like old friends. So there was definitely a community starting to knit.”
Chris says, “In the AI conference area, one session got onto robotics, and how this is going to be a major part of this technical revolution we’re in. It was interesting to hear how many print business owners have invested in robotics already and have shipments of robots arriving. I don’t think it’ll be long until we see it on the trade show floor.”
Chris also adds, “Whether you’re a wide format printer or in apparel, you’re booming if you’re out here right now because of all what’s going on in the region. It’s like a building site constantly. And with that comes all the marketing, the sales and everything else.”
Watch the full interview here or listen on Apple/Spotify.