FESPA Southern European Congress 2026 to Bring Print Industry Leaders to Porto
Eleventh Edition to Focus on AI, Sustainability and Innovation in Speciality Print on 11–12 November
The eleventh FESPA Southern European Congress will bring together speciality print industry leaders from five Southern European countries in Porto, Portugal, on 11–12 November 2026. The two-day event will focus on artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability and innovation in speciality printing, providing a platform for industry professionals to exchange market insights and discuss shared business challenges.
Five FESPA Associations to Organise the Congress
The event will take place at HF Ipanema Porto and is organised by five FESPA member associations: FESPA France, FESPA Italia, FESPA España, APIGRAF (Portugal) and the FESPA Hellas Association (Greece).
The Congress is expected to attract owners, CEOs, senior managers, suppliers and technology leaders from the screen, digital, textile and signage printing sectors.
Participants will have an opportunity to compare business strategies and market developments across neighbouring countries, with discussions covering customer expectations, workforce shortages, investment and emerging technologies.
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.”
Programme to Cover AI, Automation and Market Developments
The programme will begin on 11 November with a speed networking session, bringing together print companies, suppliers and associations through structured introductions.
A market overview titled Big Picture: The Southern European Printing Industry will follow. Helder Martins and Luis Loureiro of SISTRADE will then present Artificial Intelligence in the Printing and Packaging Industry.
The first day's programme will also feature Walter Bano's session, titled Fotoba: Automation, Sustainability and Cost Reduction in Large Format Finishing.
Industry Leaders to Share Innovation Practices
On the second day, business leaders representing the five participating associations will share examples of how their companies are adapting to industry developments under the theme Innovation best practices.
The speakers will include:
- Jorge Nogueira, CEO of Sign
- Ander Soriano, General Manager of ESTUDIOS DURERO
- Sébastien Trautmann, President of Groupe Oxysign
- Chris Trochoutsos, IT Director and R&D Project Manager at Pressious Arvanitidis
- Nikolaos Ferous, Managing Director of FERCON Consultancy
Graeme Richardson-Locke, FESPA’s Head of Associations and Technical Lead, will lead additional sessions focusing on sustainability.
Company Visits to Conclude the Congress
The Congress will conclude with visits to three companies operating in the print, graphic arts and textile sectors, giving participants an opportunity to gain further industry insights.
Five-Country Collaboration Since 2015
The FESPA Southern European Congress was launched in 2015 by associations from France, Italy and Spain to strengthen cooperation between neighbouring markets.
Portugal's APIGRAF joined the initiative soon after, while the Greek association became part of the event in 2023, extending its participation to five countries.
Registration for the 2026 FESPA Southern European Congress is open at: