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s with any exhibition, reactions were somewhat mixed from exhibitors
and visitors alike. However, the general consensus was that the show
was very successful. This stemmed from the number of exhibitors who
presented technology and solutions on the show through to the number
of visitors who came to see what was available and the general responses from
the exhibitors.
Fespa Africa was co-located with the existing Africa Print Expo and showed
an increase of 11 percent in the number of visitors from outside South Africa.
Visitors were received from almost 40 countries around the world with
neighbouring African countries sending the largest number of delegates.
In addition, there was a large volume of visitors from Nigeria, showing
the importance of this rapidly developing market.
A number of companies used the opportunity of the exhibition to launch and
demonstrate new technology. At least two had the first launch of products
outside of their home markets. Canon had the first launch outside of Europe of
the ImagePress C800 digital colour production press and Bytes had the first
launch outside of the United States of the Xerox Versant 2100 production press.
Konica Minolta South Africa showed the new bizhub Pro & Press C1060L and
C1070 devices for the first time. Antalis showed the Kodak NexPress SX on its
stand at the show. One of the items printed on the Antalis stand was the cover
of this issue of The GAPP. You can see and feel the raised dimensional printing on
both the inside and outside covers of the magazine. Ronnie Cox Graphic Supplies
showed a hot foiling machine which does not require a block to be manufactured.
In addition to the exhibition, a series of conferences and presentations were
held giving visitors information of a host of subjects ranging from technology to
industry trends. One of the presentations was made by Deon Joubert of Merpak
and country manager of Two Sides on the arrival of this international organisation
in South Africa.
Commenting on the show, Patrick Lacy, CEO of Printing SA said, ‘Fespa
Africa was the venue for converters and suppliers to meet and explore
business opportunities.’
Dyelan Copeland, event organiser commented, ‘Over 67 percent of visitors to
the show were owners or from senior management and over half had final
purchasing authority. Exhibitors also reported onsite sales, quality leads and
positive feedback both on the new venue, and overall feel of the event, which
contributed to its success.’
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