Artem Nadarashvili is considered by many to be one of the greatest special effect screen printers in the world. Operating from his company Midiprint, based in Moscow, Artem's team produce some incredible work for their large client base. In this short interview, Chris Smith, Head of Membership services at FESPA, speaks to Artem about what drives him to achieve even greater heights.

My latest blog was to be on technology but recent news made me think of writing something about counterfeiting instead. Counterfeiting is not new, it has been in existence for centuries. In fact copying and printing of fake currency has been going on since currency was first used and was especially prevalent in Roman times.

But it is a major crime which costs the global economy billions?

Once again, screen and digital printers all over Europe owe one man a considerable debt of gratitude for fighting on behalf of them, this time on the Eco label front. His support and contribution to this industry for over 40 years is considerable.

I was about to write my first blog of the New Year and decided to concentrate on three issues, the economy, energy and social media after reading three fascinating articles this week on these issues.

The first article I came across said “This will blow you away” and blow me away it did.

Last Friday, (19th November) my colleagues and I from FESPA Corporate (Nigel, Chris R. and Richard – a new member of the team), hosted the very first European Congress in Brussels. It would seem from feedback of delegates that the Congress was a great success with 95% saying that they thought it represented great value and 98% saying that they would come to another event.

Time for an update from me and time for some dialogue with members of the FESPA community.

Last week I was involved in the 6th International FESPA supported seminar organised by the Slovak Association in Piestany Slovakia. It was fantastic weather and we also had some brillian contributions from a range of great speakers. You will be able to find a detailed report on the FESPA website soon.

On 16th/17th September, the Annual FESPA General Assembly took place in Hamburg, Germany - the location for the next FESPA Digital Europe Exhibition. Of our thirty six Associations, it was fantastic that thirty three were able to attend the meeting to consider and take decisions on a number of important issues that will enable FESPA to keep pace with the rapidly changing and dynamic world in which we operate. By addressing these exciting new challenges, FESPA will become even more efficient and effective.