FESPA Southern European Congress to Return to Porto for 11th Edition
The two-day event on 11–12 November 2026 will bring together speciality print leaders from five Southern European countries to discuss AI, sustainability and innovation.
The FESPA Southern European Congress will return to Porto for its eleventh edition on 11–12 November 2026. The event will take place at HF Ipanema Porto and bring together speciality print professionals from five Southern European countries.
Organised by five FESPA member associations, FESPA France, FESPA Italia, FESPA España, APIGRAF (Portugal) and the FESPA Hellas Association (Greece), the congress offers a platform for industry members to exchange ideas and discuss shared business challenges.
Participants will explore customer expectations, workforce shortages, investment and new technologies. The event is expected to attract owners, CEOs, senior managers, suppliers and technology leaders from the screen, digital, textile and signage printing sectors.
Paulo Dourado, Director of Communications at APIGRAF, comments: “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.”
AI, Automation and Industry Trends on the Agenda
The programme will begin on 11 November with a speed networking session. It will connect print companies, suppliers and associations through structured introductions.
A market overview titled Big Picture: The Southern European Printing Industry will follow. Next, Helder Martins and Luis Loureiro of SISTRADE will discuss artificial intelligence in the printing and packaging industry.
Walter Bano will then present a session titled Fotoba: Automation, Sustainability and Cost Reduction in Large Format Finishing.
On 12 November, business leaders from the five participating associations will share examples of how their companies are adapting to industry changes. The session, titled Innovation Best Practices, will feature:
- 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
In addition, Graeme Richardson-Locke, FESPA’s Head of Associations and Technical Lead, will lead sessions focused on sustainability.
Industry Visits to Close the Congress
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 business operations and industry practices.
The Southern European Congress was launched in 2015 by associations in France, Italy and Spain. Its aim was to strengthen connections between neighbouring markets. Portugal’s APIGRAF joined soon after, while the Greek association became part of the initiative in 2023, expanding its reach to five countries.
Registration for the 2026 FESPA Southern European Congress is open. Participants can register through the official event registration page.
