Speciality printing industry leaders from five Southern European countries will gather in Porto next month for the 11th FESPA Southern European Congress. The two-day event will take place on 11–12 November 2026 at HF Ipanema Porto, Portugal.
Five FESPA member associations are organising the Congress: FESPA France, FESPA Italia, FESPA España, APIGRAF (Portugal) and the FESPA Hellas Association (Greece).
The Congress provides an opportunity for members to exchange industry knowledge and compare business strategies. It will also address shared market challenges, including changing customer expectations, workforce shortages, investment requirements and new technologies.
Owners, CEOs, senior managers, suppliers and technology leaders from screen printing, digital printing, textile printing and signage are expected to attend.
Paulo Dourado, Director of Communications at APIGRAF, said:
“Portugal is proud to host the Southern European Congress in Porto. Our markets face many of the same challenges – from AI and sustainability, to finding skilled people. Ultimately, we’re stronger when we discuss and tackle these challenges together.”
Congress Agenda: AI, Automation and Industry Insights
The programme will begin on 11 November with a speed networking session. This session will connect printing companies, suppliers and associations through structured introductions.
Next, the Congress will present a market overview titled Big Picture: The Southern European Printing Industry.
Helder Martins and Luis Loureiro of SISTRADE will then discuss Artificial Intelligence in the Printing and Packaging Industry. Following this, Walter Bano will present a session titled Fotoba: Automation, Sustainability and Cost Reduction in Large Format Finishing.
Industry Leaders to Share Innovation Practices
On the second day, business leaders from the five member associations will share examples of how their companies are adapting to industry changes. The session, titled Innovation Best Practices, will feature:
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Jorge Nogueira, CEO of Sign.
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Ander Soriano, General Manager of ESTUDIOS DURERO.
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Sébastien Trautmann, President of Groupe Oxysign.
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Chris Trochoutsos, IT Director and R&D Project Manager at Pressious Arvanitidis.
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Nikolaos Ferous, Managing Director of FERCON Consultancy.
In addition, Graeme Richardson-Locke, FESPA’s Head of Associations and Technical Lead, will lead further sessions on sustainability.
The Congress will conclude with visits to three companies operating in the print, graphic arts and textile sectors. These visits will give participants an opportunity to explore industry operations and business practices.
Five Countries United Through the FESPA Congress
The FESPA Southern European Congress began in 2015 as an initiative by associations in France, Italy and Spain. Its aim was to strengthen connections and encourage cooperation between neighbouring markets.
Portugal’s APIGRAF joined the initiative soon afterwards. The Greek association became part of the event in 2023, expanding its reach to five countries.
The 2026 edition will continue this collaborative approach, providing a platform for industry professionals to exchange knowledge and discuss developments shaping speciality printing.
Registration for the 2026 FESPA Southern European Congress is now open.
Registration: Register for FESPA Southern European Congress 2026