Following the success of the inaugural European Congress in Brussels in November 2010, FESPA will host its first FESPA Nordic Congress from 7^th – 8^th April 2011 in Gothenburg, Sweden with the support of FESPA’s member associations in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. The event is sponsored by HP (Corporate Sponsor), Mimaki and Signcom (Digital Textile Sponsors) and EskoArtwork (Global Software Solutions Partner).

Delegates from across the Nordic region will have the opportunity to attend a series of in-depth, industry-focussed sessions designed to inspire and promote innovation within business. Encouraging participants to build networking links across the Nordic region, the event will specifically target digital and screen printers, production managers, as well as suppliers focused towards the large format community.   

Delegates will have the opportunity to discuss crucial print-related topics, with the overall aim of promoting best practice in business and highlighting methods of reducing costs while increasing sales.

In response to feedback received from the Brussels event, the FESPA Nordic Congress has been structured to provide delegates with increased opportunities to network with peers and sponsors, as well as enhancing their overall experience. The event will therefore be held over two half-days.

Matti Laajarinne, CEO of PixMill Group Ltd, one of Finland’s leading printers attended the FESPA European Congress in Brussels, and having been impressed by the speakers and innovative content, registered to attend the Nordic event. “Our customers expect us to have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of wider market issues and trends. Being informed about new environmental regulations, legislations regarding approved inks and making use of innovative printing materials is becoming increasingly important. 

“Our customers span the entire Nordic region and that´s why we have to be flexible and constantly improve our customer-focused programmes. FESPA’s Nordic Congress will deliver the information we need, tailored to the specific requirements that our customers expect today. It’s great that FESPA is regionalising events and making them more accessible for everyone, and I look forward to the additional networking opportunities on offer in Sweden.”

Offering delegates exceptional value for money, the Nordic Congress will feature an enhanced event programme incorporating print buyer/ brand owner representation. Each day’s agenda has been structured to present delegates with insights from leading industry spokespeople, encouraging active participation to shape each individual delegate’s experience of the event.

Confirmed speakers for the Gothenburg event include Andreas Skantze of Big Image in Sweden who will provide insight on affordable innovation in practice, and Neil Falconer, Senior Consultant at PIRA, who will discuss the latest technologies in print. In addition Steve Lister, the Business Development Director at the Robert Horne Group will give an in-depth report on sustainable business, while Nick Devine, founder of The Print Coach, is set to provide insight on methods to employ when attempting to grow your sales and build a profitable print business.

Engaging delegates and maximising their opportunity for participation throughout the Congress, the programme includes a restructured panel session, incorporating strategic industry SWOT analysis.

Nigel Steffens, Managing Director, FESPA, comments, “As those who have attended a previous FESPA Congress are aware, our programmes are committed to helping printers drive their businesses forward and providing them with ways to stand out from the competition. At the FESPA Nordic Congress we will do this by presenting delegates with critical information and feedback from the print buyer’s perspective. We want to help delegates stay ahead of the rapidly changing ideas, methods and technology in their industry, so they should be prepared for a real education.

“Following our FESPA European Congress last November 97% of our delegates said they would attend another event and 95% found it great value for money, we aim to provide the same, if not greater satisfaction, in Sweden.”

The full delegate package includes attendance and participation in the Congress, access to Congress presentations after the event, lunch and formal dinner with drinks reception on day one, overnight accommodation and breakfast at the Gothia Towers Hotel, and lunch on day two.

Delegate fees for members of FESPA national member associations is €325 for the full package, or €225 excluding the hotel room.  For non-members the price is €475 including accommodation, and €375 excluding accommodation.

Places are limited so for more details, and to register to attend the FESPA Nordic Congress visit http://www.fespa.com/nordic-congress 

About FESPA

Founded in 1962, FESPA is a not-for-profit federation of trade associations and an organiser of exhibitions and conferences for the screen and digital printing industries.  FESPA’s dual aim is to promote screen printing and digital imaging and to share knowledge about screen and digital printing with its members across the world, helping them to grow their businesses and learn about the latest developments in their fast growing industries. 

FESPA member organisations include 26 separate National Associations in Europe, and 10 Associate Member Associations in Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

Forthcoming FESPA events include:

• FESPA Americas 24-26 February 2011, Orlando, USA
• FESPA Digital 2011 – 24-27 May 2011, Hamburg, Germany
• FESPA Fabric 2011 24-26 May 2011, Hamburg, Germany
• FESPA Asia 26-28 October 2011, Singapore
• FESPA Digital 2012, 21-24 February 2012, Barcelona, Spain
• FESPA 2013, 25-29 June 2013, London, UK