SILVERSTONE, WrapFest 2024 wrapped off another great event earlier this month, reviving the surface decorating and car customising sector. WrapFest 2024, the only gathering of more than 700 experts from 25 countries working in the car wrapping and surface finishing industries, provided something for everyone interested in the field.
With more than two thirds of participants mentioning new strategies and ideas to expand their businesses, it offered a unique platform for attendees to learn about the newest goods, trends, and best practices (71%). Additionally, the event provided a competitive edge by pitting wrappers from all around Europe against one another.New items on exhibit
Visitors investigated a wide variety of advances throughout the two days, including the newest tools and big format printing equipment from 30 participating firms, as well as vinyl and PPF (Paint Protection Film).
Highlights include:
- · New lines of 3M Di-NOC interior wrapping materials and Launchpad V WRAP PRO vehicle wrapping film were introduced by William Smith.
- · 3M unveiled a new Protection Wrap Film that blends protection, durability, and vehicle customisation. The film gives a premium finish and adjustable choices, and it is intended to protect against rock chips, scratches, stains, and the outdoors.
- · As part of the Supreme Wrapping Film™ Yiannimize Series, Avery Dennison and famed celebrity automobile designer Yiannimize announced the release of four eye-catching new hues. On the first day of WrapFest, Yianni Charalambous unveiled his Lamborghini Revoluto, which was wrapped in the eye-catching baby pink, showcasing these remarkable shades: red, grey, purple, and pink.
- ·Together, Fedrigioni and APS unveiled the revolutionary Ultimate Wrapping Film (UWF). More than 30 gorgeous tones are available in this cutting-edge product, and more will be added in 2025. UWF blends a smooth, slide-on application with a high-end gloss finish and remarkable conformability by utilising cutting-edge digital technology.
- · Papergraphics showcased their creative Stock & Roll print room storage system, which provides a simplified method of material management and organisation.
- While introducing the newly released 3M products, Adapt reaffirmed its collaboration with Pro Film.
- Grafityp introduced its new Omega Skinz forged carbon fibre vinyl, which gives automobile wraps a high-end look.
- ·With the addition of commercial printing services to its equipment sales, PressOn Automotive became a one-stop shop for its clients.
- ·Spandex Zeno debuted at WrapFest, showcasing its state-of-the-art design rendering capabilities for the first time.
Professional Guidance and Interactive Displays at WrapFest
The Business Surgery Clinic with Yianni Charalambous, a much-anticipated addition to WrapFest, provided attendees with individualised guidance on business-related subjects such as pricing, client acquisition, marketing, and expansion. Building expertise, preserving enduring client connections, and tackling issues like reducing workloads and enhancing lead creation were all stressed by Charalambous.
A special Surface Decoration Showcase section that featured a variety of interior space items, such as furniture wraps, window films, wall coverings, and window tinting solutions, was another new addition this year. Under the knowledgeable direction of Surfex, guests were able to take part in practical demonstrations and tutorials where they learnt how to wrap around tabletops, doors, and other objects.
Participants watched live demonstrations of PPF, vinyl application, and digital printing during the Pit Demos. Through practical demonstrations and knowledgeable advice from international firms, WrapFest provided attendees with a platform to improve their knowledge and develop their abilities. Leading industry trainers showcased the latest techniques, materials, and products, providing valuable insights and inspiration for industry professionals at over 70 live sessions.
The Pit Demos complemented the exhibition floor above by providing a platform for exhibiting new goods and advancements in the vehicle wrapping sector. Notable demos included Global Hi-Tech showing how to install PPF without software, Grafityp installing both digital printing and coloured films, Metamark exhibiting its M-PPF® solutions, and 3M introducing its newest line of films.
Reanne Suffy of Metamark commented on WrapFest’s performance, saying, “We exhibited primarily to promote our new goods, and the first day surpassed our expectations with the biggest foot traffic we’ve seen! Customers truly like getting engaged and testing things out for themselves, which is why the hands-on demos were so popular. All of our clients have left nice reviews, and the ambiance has been wonderful with good feelings around. For us, it has been a genuinely successful occasion!
Additionally, a number of informative seminars and hands-on workshops were held for all guests by the Wrap Institute, the official Learnings Partner of WrapFest. In keeping with its motto of “never stop learning” to master technical skills, it provided sessions on a range of educational subjects, such as the “8-step cleaning protocol” and measuring advice, methods for wrapping with zero stretch and 70% less energy output, advice on whether “to remove hardware or wrap around it,” and methods for properly wrapping car mirrors.
Motivating Conversations
- Over the course of the two days, a number of influential speakers and experts in the industry took the stage for Wrap Talks, the event’s dedicated educational program, which provided a wealth of educational opportunities. Among the highlights were:
- · A panel of industry professionals explored ways to draw in young talent at “Engaging the Next Generation: Social Media Strategies and Insights for Attracting Young Talent.” Chris Edwards, Director of CVI Group; Isabel Shanahan, Project Coordinator at ImageCo; Alex Pollard, Contracts Manager at RMC Digital Print; and Lauren Brown, Customer Service Manager and Project Manager at Stylographics, discussed how to use social media, hold open days and apprenticeships, and work with associations to make the industry more appealing. They all discussed how important it is to create interesting social media material to attract people who want to work in the wrapping industry.
- At ‘Women in Wrap’, Alex Kaye, co-founder of E.C. Car Detailing; Dani Jordan, co-founder of DTO Motorsport; and Paige Walton, CEO and founder of The Vehicle Wrapping Academy, discussed how to produce an aesthetically pleasing experience for clients while fostering strong teams and open communication. In their advise to women in the field, the three provided distinct viewpoints from the broader automotive sector on creating a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, with open communication serving as a catalyst for this.
- Yiannimize’s recent triumphs with new projects, such as the well-known KSI brilliant green wrap, were discussed in the keynote session, “Q&A with Yiannimize.” In addition, he discussed the value of teamwork, self-discovery, and mentoring in career growth for expanding vehicle-wrapping companies.
- ·On day two, Richard Clark, CEO of Racoon, and Andrew Willson, Managing Director of PressOn Automotive, spoke at a “Industry Leadership Panel” on the importance of young people in bringing innovation and the duty of those currently working in the sector to effect this change. In order to establish a solid and prosperous reputation, the experts underlined the significance of ongoing skill development, outstanding staff communications, and sustainable company practices.
- The significance of holding discussions about sustainability was clarified by the “The Reality of Graphics Waste Recycling” session. FESPA UK’s Managing Director Suzi Ward and Sustainability Lead Jon Hutton discussed several materials and their possibilities for recycling and recovery. The two also urged participants to sign up for the FESPA Waste Accreditation Scheme, which has provided an easy, ethical, and circular method of managing graphic waste in the UK since 2022.
Honouring Creativity and Ability
This year’s Show and Shine competition, which took place over two days at WrapFest, saw attendees raise the standard with an impressive diversity of submissions. Through the specialised exhibition app, visitors had the opportunity to vote for the daily Public Winner. The Bluelight Graphics ‘Rusty’ Volkswagen Caddy was the star of the first day, drawing in every guest. This unique vehicle, expertly deigned, printed and wrapped by the company specialising in livery design for emergency services, was a clear favourite.
Bluelight Graphics’ Michael Haynes talked about their victory in Show and Shine, saying: “Winning the Show and Shine competition on the first day of WrapFest was an amazing experience. Our ‘rusty’ Volkswagen attracted a lot of attention from other wraps and those who were pleased by the wrap’s overall workmanship and style. This victory is a tremendous success for our team and very motivating.
Shore Wraps and its BMW 3 Series emerged as yet another outstanding victor on the second day. This striking submission demonstrated the Scottish-based company’s proficiency with vinyl application and livery design.
The official Wrap Party was held at the Blackpit Brewery to wrap up the first day. Industry experts had a great chance to network, eat and drink, and celebrate the show’s success at this exciting event.
The winner of the World Wrap Masters is sent to Berlin.
With its fierce obstacles, the World Wrap Masters (WMM) UK 2024 competition enthralled spectators. Chris Hooper of WRAPWORX LTD took home the title and qualified for the 2025 world finals in Berlin. Given that he was up against some of the greatest in the business, Hooper’s victory demonstrated his skill and stamina.
HP (Headline Print Partner), Carlas (Colour Change and PPF Product Partner), Arlon (Printed Media Partner), WrapStock (Design Partner), Fiery (Software Partner), and Wrapgloves (Accessory Partner) sponsored the UK competition, which was hosted by MC Ole Solskin. Through a series of timed tasks, including wrapping panels, bonnets, and mystery goods (a toolbox and a water bottle), the competition assessed the contestants’ abilities and stamina. Over the course of the two-day competition, contestants utilised a variety of vinyl and PPF materials, and their work was assessed by knowledgeable judges Kiss Lajos and Ivan Tenchev.
Contestants were pushed to the brink on the second day when they had to wrap the whole side of a car with a single sheet of vinyl in less than 60 minutes. An enthusiastic audience attended the high-intensity competition, which was full of pressure, excitement, and enjoyment. Speaking on winning WWM United Kingdom 2024, Chris Hooper, said “It means a lot to have won the UK round! This year was particularly difficult for me since the competition becomes higher every year. I am honoured to have competed against such talent and to have tested my skills and knowledge. I am looking forward to going to the World Wrap Masters Final in Berlin next year.”
“It was fantastic to be back at WrapFest with the show once again praising the vibrant wrapping community from all different corners of the globe,” stated Duncan MacOwan, Head of Events at FESPA, in response to the second edition of WrapFest. With exhibitors showcasing state-of-the-art items and industry professionals interacting with both new and familiar faces, it was an unmissable display of creativity and innovation. WrapFest was our community’s primary event, providing a forum for networking, education, and accomplishment celebration.