Chamond Media (00:00)
Hello, and welcome to Printconnect. Today I’m joined by Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA. Coming from an event-sales background, Neil has always believed in the value of face-to-face connection — and under his leadership, FESPA has expanded that ethos worldwide.

During his time as CEO, FESPA has strengthened and grown its international community, launching the FESPA Direct membership model alongside its network of 37 national associations, and rolling out nine new international exhibitions across different regions and sectors. Neil has overseen FESPA’s transition into a truly global platform for innovation, knowledge exchange and industry development.

Today we'll be talking about FESPA's mission, its activity in the Middle East, recent Leadership Exchange events, and what the regional market means for the wider print and signage world — as well as what visitors can expect from the upcoming FESPA Middle East exhibition in Dubai.

Neil, it’s great to have you on the podcast. Let’s start right at the beginning. For listeners who may not be as familiar with FESPA, could you share some insight into who you are and what you do?

Neil Felton (01:09)
Thank you for having me. FESPA is a 63-year-old brand, originally established by seven national associations in Europe sharing knowledge about the screen-printing industry. Since then, it has grown significantly — expanding from screen into digital and a wide variety of markets.

Today, FESPA is a community of 37 national associations, representing over 14,000 printers, and we run events around the world. We’re a community created by the industry, for the industry, with a central focus on connecting, inspiring and supporting the people we serve.

Chamond Media (02:12)
Building on that global role — FESPA recently launched exhibitions and events in the Middle East. What drove that decision?

Neil Felton (02:19)
We only expand into regions where we believe we can make a meaningful impact. Printers in the Middle East had been asking for an education-focused, technology-driven show for several years — but it needed to be the right moment.

We’re fortunate to have two colleagues in the region, Basil and Shakur, who have deep industry experience. After Covid, an opportunity emerged to bring a strong, editorially led FESPA event to the region, with the energy and dynamism our shows are known for.

Chamond Media (03:13)
With that expansion underway, you’ve also been spending time in the region. At the end of November 2025, FESPA hosted three Leadership Exchange events in Riyadh, Amman and Cairo. What was the purpose of these events, and what insights did you gather?

Neil Felton (03:33)
These FLEX events — FESPA Leadership Exchange — are an important part of our work. Our first was in Dubai in 2023, and the idea is simple: bring small groups of printers together to share challenges, opportunities and insights.

It’s not us lecturing — it’s interactive. We discuss SWOT analyses, deliver global research with Middle Eastern context, and listen closely to what the market needs. The conversations in Riyadh, Amman and Cairo gave us a far deeper understanding of how we can serve the region through FESPA Middle East.

Chamond Media (04:37)
How do these developments compare to what you're seeing across the global print and signage market?

Neil Felton (04:49)
Globally, the three major themes we’re tracking right now are sustainability, automation, and AI. These are central to our new Print Census.

In the Middle East, many of the same themes are emerging. For example, sustainability requirements from big European brands extend into Dubai. The region is also highly interested in AI and new technologies. The Middle East faces unique challenges, but is incredibly flexible and resilient — which I deeply admire.

Chamond Media (05:58)
FESPA has its third edition of FESPA Middle East in Dubai this January. What can visitors expect, and how might attending benefit printers and sign-makers across the MENA region?

Neil Felton (06:01)
There are two key elements. First: community. Printers from across the MENA region — as well as South Asia and North Africa — will come together to share knowledge and experience.

Second: education and opportunity. We’ll run 18 sessions across multiple topics, helping printers understand new markets and technologies. The event creates direct access to global expertise in a concentrated, high-value environment.

Chamond Media (07:02)
You’ve guided FESPA through a period of global growth — new shows, new membership options, and a wider international community. What milestones are you most proud of?

Neil Felton (07:21)
A few stand out. In 2015 we moved to full membership, giving us 37 national members — making FESPA truly global. Launching new shows in the Middle East and Barcelona has also been a highlight. Achieving the number-one show in a region within a year is something I’m very proud of.

And I have to give full credit to our team: we’re only 45 people globally, and they make extraordinary things happen.

Chamond Media (08:33)
With so many sectors — screen, textile, signage, digital, industrial — how do you balance the different needs within one global community?

Neil Felton (08:49)
We think in terms of "doors." Each visitor enters through a door relevant to their sector — textile, signage, décor, etc. Once inside, they discover both their niche and tangential opportunities. We design the show to give each audience a clear, comfortable path.

Chamond Media (09:34)
You meet printers and innovators across the world. What technologies or trends excite you most right now?

Neil Felton (09:39)
This industry is far more innovative than people realise. Textile is growing at 7–8%. Digital print in the Middle East is around 8.2% CAGR. Digital corrugated printing is set to double in five years.

I’m excited by interior décor, garment production, wide-format creativity — print can transform spaces and experiences. The opportunities are huge.

Chamond Media (11:06)
You mentioned sustainability earlier. How is FESPA helping printers adapt to new expectations and regulations?

Neil Felton (11:11)
We’ve gone through the sustainability journey ourselves, achieving ISO 20121. It’s a rigorous process — but worthwhile.

We also provide tools including the new greenwashing guide, sustainability content on Club FESPA, and more resources coming soon. Our role is to help the community navigate both the opportunities and the challenges.

Chamond Media (12:41)
Looking to the future, where do you see the biggest growth opportunities in print?

Neil Felton (12:51)
Interior décor is incredibly exciting. Short-run personalised apparel is another huge opportunity. Personalisation — led originally by campaigns like “Share a Coke” — continues to grow across product categories, and only digital print can deliver it sustainably and profitably.

Chamond Media (14:11)
For listeners who want to explore FESPA’s resources, events or membership, where should they go?

Neil Felton (14:19)
If you're in one of our 37 countries, join your national association. If not, join FESPA Direct — €99 per person or €365 for companies.

Use fespa.com as your resource hub. Membership gives access to the FESPA Census, over 1,500 articles on Club FESPA, free show entry, the Club FESPA lounge, and a global community eager to share knowledge.

Chamond Media (15:52)
That’s a great way to end. Neil, thank you so much for joining us and sharing such a comprehensive look at FESPA’s global work and the exciting developments across the Middle East.

Neil Felton (16:02)
Thank you. And for anyone considering FESPA Middle East — in January you could be in sunny Dubai at 23°C, seeing the best suppliers and content in the region. I know where I’d rather be!

Chamond Media (16:41)
To our listeners — thank you as always for tuning in to Printconnect. We’ll be back soon with more leaders, insights and the technology shaping the future of specialist printing.
Until next time: take care and stay inspired.