Mubasher: FESPA Middle East, a regional event for the global print and signage industries, has unveiled a groundbreaking conference programme ahead of its second edition, which will launch at the Dubai Exhibition Centre from 20 to 22 January 2025, according to a press release.
The event’s sessions will discuss the latest trends in personalisation, sustainability, new technology, and future visions.
On the first day of FESPA Middle East, the Dean of Applied Arts Faculty at Egypt’s Badr University in Cairo, George Simonian, will chair the opening session under the theme Trends and Industry Insight Overview to share insights on the latest trends and strategies for businesses looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.
One of the highlights of the conference programme is the FESPA Leadership Exchange (FLEX), which will make a welcome return and provide a platform for knowledge sharing, raising standards within the sector, networking, increasing transparency and business growth.
Regional Manager (Middle East & Africa) at FESPA, Bazil Cassim, commented: “The FESPA Leadership Exchange (FLEX) embodies the evolution of the printing and visual communications industries, serving as a platform for knowledge sharing and innovation. The conference's diverse sessions, from expert analysis of emerging trends to insights into sustainability and AI-driven advancements, provide unparalleled opportunities for businesses to navigate and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.
Cassim added: “With actionable strategies for exploring key markets like Saudi Arabia and Africa, FLEX equips attendees with the tools they need to embrace new opportunities and drive impactful change.”
The official concluded: “The conference has been created to act as a catalyst for the future.”
Day two of the conference programme will focus on the growing trend for personalised printed solutions and sustainability.
Several expert speakers will address the applications, software, and hardware innovations supporting this in-demand trend, which is expected to deliver larger profits and new revenue streams for businesses in the sector.
Other sessions forming part of the FLEX conference include The Exciting Future of Visual Communication, which will be delivered by Christian Duyckaerts, Past President & Asia Ambassador, FESPA, a deep dive into how to do business in Saudi Arabia as part of a panel of international experts, and the opportunities surrounding the burgeoning African market, led by Naved Hasan, Associate Editor, Africa Business Pages.
From a sustainability perspective, six sessions, including individual presentations and panel discussions, will cover topics such as reducing costs through optimising energy and resources, avoiding greenwashing, and what an increased focus on decarbonisation and supply chain transparency means for brand expectations.
In addition to the conference sessions, visitors can explore the Sustainability Spotlight stand, which will showcase the latest products supporting sustainable printing and business practices, including everything from media substrates to software.
On the final day, new technology and future visions will lead the agenda with the inaugural edition of Welcome to the Future: AI in Printing and Beyond, a ‘lab’ designed by XL MEA’s Ian Swarbrick, whose visionary approach is driving the adoption of AI across the printing industry. The session will take a deep dive into how AI is revolutionising every aspect of business and operations within the printing world.
