With less than 10 weeks to go until the doors open in Barcelona for FESPA Global Print Expo 2026, Jack catches up with Michael Ryan to find out more.
The show runs from 19th – 22nd May – visit the special Eye on Display FESPA page to register for the show and save €55 when you use our code ESEH601.
Follow all the news from FESPA here…
Watch the full interview with Michael Ryan, Head of FESPA Global Print Expo, here…
Transcription
Jack Gocher (00:07.598)
So the countdown to FESPA 2026 is very much on. It’s in the beautiful city of Barcelona this year, and I’m delighted to be joined by Michael Ryan for our annual pre-FESPA chat. This is the fourth or fifth year we’ve done this now, Mike. How are you doing?
Michael Ryan (00:28.138)
I’m doing well, Jack. Yes, this morning we had a meeting where we literally said we’re 10 weeks away from the event. There are lots of activities behind the scenes and lots of things still to be done, but we’re working really closely with all the partners and just making sure that we’re hitting those deadlines.
One of my biggest jobs for FESPA is sorting out the signage. I’ve been working with all my partners in Spain, and we’re well on track to create something special in Barcelona. It is exciting to go to different destinations, and we’re working very closely with Barcelona Tourism and the venue itself to make it a great experience for everybody.
Jack Gocher (01:20.918)
It’s one of the real highlights of FESPA as an exhibition and as a brand, that it does go all around Europe to wonderful destinations, and each destination brings its own style and personality to the event. Now, I haven’t done Barcelona before. I know you were there many moons ago; I don’t know why I missed that one. What does Barcelona bring to the party?
Michael Ryan (01:39.192)
2012 was the last time. It’s such a creative city. One thing related to our industries is that I’m always blown away by the different take on design and creativity, and you’ll see that in abundance in Barcelona. It is the architectural city of 2026 for the world. It’s a destination where every corner has something interesting to see. Thankfully, we’re also by the beach; this will be one of the only times you get to see a FESPA exhibition and also enjoy some sunshine, which we’re all desperate for!
The venue itself is 15 minutes away from the airport, so it’s well-connected with the metro station and globally with flights. It’s such a vibrant, dynamic, and international city.
Jack Gocher (02:58.062)
Absolutely. Because FESPA is all about bringing people and associations all around the world together. The different venues impact how that happens and how people socialise. It’s not just about the show; it’s about everything else around it. All the individual countries have their own events around the global FESPA events. So it’s all good fun. Looking forward to it.
Michael Ryan (03:22.392)
It’s great to see the communities come together. I am already speaking to manufacturers who are planning their annual meetings and gatherings directly at the FESPA exhibition. The day before, our association secretaries come in from all across the world, followed by the presidents and members. Barcelona is a great opportunity for us to promote that engagement. FESPA España is our host member association this year, so it’s an opportunity for them to showcase what they do in Spain and meet with attendees.
Jack Gocher (04:13.452)
Good stuff. There’s always a lot to pack into the four days, and looking at the announcements so far this year, you’ve got three new exhibitions. Do you want to tell us a little bit about what’s new this year?
Michael Ryan (04:23.352)
I have to always count them, so forgive me! First and foremost, we have the FESPA Global Print Expo. The good news, Jack, is if you remember Berlin last year, we had eight exhibition halls. In Barcelona, we have two halls: Halls 2 and 3. That’s not to say it’s smaller; these are humongous exhibition halls.
So we’ve been able to pack everybody into the event. In Hall 3, you’ve got all the major players for machinery—Agfa, Durst, Liyu, Mimaki, Roland, Epson. Everybody is in this area.
The European Sign Expo, which will be in Hall 2, is really focused on traditional signage, LEDs, displays, and channel letter bending. We’ve got a record number of exhibitors for the European Sign Expo this year. We’ve also got WrapFest taking place in Hall 2, alongside the WrapMasters area.
Then you also have the Textile area, showcasing solutions for sublimation printing, screen printing, DTF printing, and embroidery.
Brand new for this year is Corrugated. It’s well-positioned in the same location as print suppliers such as Durst, Agfa, Kongsberg, and Zund. Currently, we’ve got 40 exhibitors in this area, and they’re all brand new to the FESPA Exhibition, bringing solutions never seen before for corrugated packaging and display.
Jack Gocher (07:01.442)
So this is companies manufacturing the materials, but also printing onto this material. It’s a new area.
Michael Ryan (07:08.32)
Yes, we have new exhibitors like Barbaran and Macrobox from Spain, but also Koenig and Bauer. These companies have never done FESPA exhibitions before. They are there with printing, design, and finishing solutions really focused on the POP display and corrugated packaging.
Jack Gocher (07:36.302)
Okay, so what has driven bringing that show into the FESPA fold?
Michael Ryan (07:41.28)
We had a corrugated experience in Berlin in 2018, and this industry has evolved. We are already serving a lot of players in that marketplace, like the cutting and printing companies. Corrugated and POP display is an audience of growth for FESPA. Looking at the FESPA Global Print Expo, our core visitor profile includes specialists in POP and display. The Corrugated area will bring in a new audience for our existing exhibitors and showcase new solutions.
Jack Gocher (08:31.406)
I guess it’s a Venn diagram; these guys are coming for that, but they’re also going to touch other areas like textiles and print.
Michael Ryan (08:41.494)
Yes, they’ll be interested in a lot of the new solutions. When you think of corrugated printing, you think of huge machines which you could never have at a FESPA exhibition given the build-up times. But many of those companies are now focused on low volume, low production, and more personalisation. That is the synergy between FESPA and Corrugated that you’ll see live at the event.
Jack Gocher (09:11.086)
I’m looking forward to that. I’m also looking forward to WrapFest. I’ve been to a couple in the UK at Silverstone, and you’ve always had WrapMasters going on too. How does WrapFest fit into this?
Michael Ryan (09:28.386)
WrapMasters has evolved into a truly global competition, with events in Mexico, Brazil, the Middle East, and individual FESPA association events across Europe. A week before FESPA in Barcelona, there will be a WrapMasters competition in Madrid, hosted by Carlos from Alta Rotulación. He mentioned that many friends from Latin America wanted to attend both, so having it in Madrid the weekend before allows them to travel directly to Barcelona after. I thought it was a great idea.
With WrapFest, a hall is already dedicated to wrap solutions, both architectural and PPF. We thought, people want to see a European WrapFest event, so why not host it in Barcelona alongside us?
Jack Gocher (11:09.932)
Are you going to have some of the big players like HP in both locations?
Michael Ryan (11:20.12)
We try to avoid confusion with companies having numerous stands. Companies like HP, Mimaki, Roland, and Epson will be listed as WrapFest exhibitors, and people can visit them. HP has a lucky solution where they are right in front of WrapFest as well as being in FESPA.
Jack Gocher (11:45.742)
I remember at Amsterdam, it felt like Mimaki’s home show. It feels like HP is playing at home this time with their premises in Barcelona.
Michael Ryan (12:03.256)
Yes, it’s a great opportunity for brands to invite their communities. Companies are utilising FESPA in their campaigns. Brands like Durst are celebrating huge anniversaries this year—90 years.
Jack Gocher (13:32.226)
In previous years, you launched the app to help people navigate the show. Over 500 exhibits is a lot to get through. Are there improvements to the user experience this year?
Michael Ryan (13:52.342)
Certainly, we’ve got a brand new app for the event this year, and we’re working with a new registration company to create a user-friendly experience. The app will be available to download at the end of this month. It will include travel information and the full conference programme. We have conferences for the Corrugated feature, a central area in Hall 3 focused on personalisation and automation, and live seminars in the WrapMasters area.
Jack Gocher (15:06.976)
It is a show that is really hard to do quickly. You need time to get around and see everything.
Michael Ryan (15:15.968)
Please do. You will not only discover great technologies at FESPA, but you will engage, network, and be inspired. I always discover brand new solutions that can really help evolve businesses in the print and display marketplace.
Jack Gocher (15:50.382)
This will be your 21st FESPA. You’re always really positive about it. What is the one thing you’re really looking forward to this year?
Michael Ryan (16:11.12)
I love the compactness of the event this year. Having FESPA in two halls is an incredible opportunity. I’m always thinking about the visitor experience—where people are going, who they want to see, places to sit, catering.
I’m really excited to see new technologies from new exhibitors. You’ve got companies like SD from Italy manufacturing CNC routing machines focused on displays and signage. And brands like Scodix, who have never done a FESPA show, will be in the Corrugated area showing special effects for print. We also have an incredible line-up of speakers from all over the world.
Jack Gocher (18:06.754)
Fabulous. If you want to register for FESPA, just head along to Eye on Display; there are lots of links there. Or go to FESPA.com.
Michael Ryan (18:18.508)
Look out for the promo codes! Many free promo codes will end on April 19th. Please make sure you register. Do not call me on the 19th of May asking for a ticket! Each FESPA is different. Barcelona is going to be exciting. We’re looking forward to inspiring attendees. I’ve seen some of the stand designs, and people are going to be surprised by the innovations and the effort companies are putting in.
Jack Gocher (19:39.598)
I’m working on my stamina to be ready for the show! Look forward to seeing you then. Thanks so much for your time.
Michael Ryan (19:46.506)
Excellent. Jack, thank you for everything you do for the industry. It’ll be a real pleasure to see you in person in Barcelona.