FESPA’s fourth Digital Textile Conference, which took place on 2 October 2014 in Milan, Italy, brought together a record-breaking number of delegates to expand their knowledge of digital textile printing.

The one-day conference, which was sponsored by Durst, Everlight Chemical, Hollanders, Kaspapir, Kiian and MS Italy, attracted 157 delegates, more than double the number that attended the last FESPA Digital Textile Conference in Hamburg in 2011. Printers travelled from Europe, Asia and the Americas, illustrating the international appeal of digital textile printing.

Delegates responded enthusiastically to the conference content, with 100% of attendees stating that they would attend the FESPA Digital Textile Conference again, organisers report. 92% rated the value of the event to their business as good or excellent, and 95% of attendees scored the content as good or excellent.

Escalating significance

"The growth of the Digital Textile Conference audience since 2011 affirms the escalating significance of digital textile as a speciality print segment," said Duncan MacOwan, Head of Events and New Media at FESPA.

"We compiled a rich programme of seminars and presentations from global industry experts, aiming to provide anyone with an interest in digital textile with practical, relevant information and trends which they could apply within their business."

"The overwhelmingly positive delegate feedback suggests that the mix and calibre of content was well matched to the current needs of the market. This will help us to shape future FESPA educational and knowledge-sharing events to continue to deliver measurable business value for delegates."

Great opportunity

The event received positive responses from speakers and attendees. Gart Davies, Managing Director of Spoonflower, said: "Digital textile as a medium is in its nascent moment. It’s like the web in 1995 – everyone is figuring out their tools and maturing their business to the point where people are completely immersing themselves in the process. The FESPA Digital Textile Conference is a great opportunity for our small community to share insights on how to make digital textile expand."

Fergus Niland, Chief Designer for Maglificio Sportivo added: "The atmosphere was that of a collegiate, a group of people within an industry all looking to learn, I think that’s crucial for the industry and I can see this event growing. I was very impressed."

Debbie McKeegan, Co-owner of Digetex Group commented: "As a business owner, when you work in your own little environment it’s difficult to get out sometimes and meet others, therefore it’s really interesting to meet people and talk about the challenges others are facing, and see what other people are doing within the industry."

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