FESPA is a global trade federation and exhibition Organiser running large scale exhibitions for the wide-format print sector around the world. ESS has worked with FESPA on its flagship event, Global Print Expo, since 2006. The show attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, has complex feature stands as well as large amounts of space only stands accommodating heavy machinery.

Every year Global Print Expo brings together up to 600 exhibitors, but the venue changes from show to show, each bringing with it new challenges, build restrictions and much more. One year the show could be in Berlin, then Munich and the next Amsterdam. With up to 400 space only stand plans to be reviewed, an operations team working on multiple events at any one time and an exhibitor community which is predominantly customers for whom English isn’t their first language, ensuring every stand is safe is no small task.

ESS have provided a variety of services for FESPA from reviewing their exhibitor manual, through form collation and stand auditing to on-site support. The scale of the show and the international nature of the exhibitor base requires a bespoke approach to processes, and the ESS team work collaboratively with the in-house team to create ways of working which are as simple and efficient as possible. Their detail-orientated approach gives real peace of mind and allows the in-house operations team to focus on the overall smooth running of the show. They also provide recommendations on sustainability and safety improvements, such as a current project to reduce the use of single use stand build materials. 

FESPA’s Head of Operations, Susan Hamer said:

“ESS are the best in the business. They bring a true partnership approach, allowing us to create bespoke processes which work for us, our host venues and most importantly, our exhibitors. They are solution focused and forward looking; which is demonstrated by their current support on our sustainability project to reduce single use stand build materials from our shows. Lianne, Michaela and the team have been involved in the project from the outset, making practical recommendations to make the transition as smooth as possible. They help us to find clarity in grey areas and their industry experience is unrivalled. We have absolute trust in their expertise and the advice they give.”