FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona got off to a fantastic start with an opening ceremony to remember and a day of packed halls. And FESPA TV were there to capture it all!

Watch all videos at www.fespa.com/fespatv

FESPA Digital is the worlds largest most focused event for wide format print and it takes place in Barcelona, 21-24 February 2012.

Over 350 leading brands for digital print will take over Barcelona to showcase print service providers new products and applications to help build on the next stages of their businesses journey.  Digital print applications such as sustainable printing, vehicle wrapping, 3d printing, narrow format digital printing, point of sale printing and many more.

FESPA Digital is a fantastic opportunity to view the wider opportunities for digital print and re-route your print business on a journey for success!

Find out more about FESPA Digital here at www.fespadigital.com

A crack team of FESPA employees are preparing for FESPA Digital 2012 by embarking on the second Wrap Rally journey, this time from London to Barcelona. Commencing on 12th February 2012, Richard Kensett, Rob Older and Chris Rimer will embark on a seven day print adventure through Europe to find and film the best examples of innovative digital print technologies and applications.

FESPA Digital 2012 (Barcelona, 21-24 February 2012) has attracted an impressive new line-up of sponsors for the highly anticipated event in Barcelona.

FESPA is inviting nominations to a FESPA Hall of Fame, which it intends to become a 'who's who' of the leading lights in the print community.

The Hall of Fame will be inaugurated at FESPA Digital 2012 in Barcelona (21-24 February 2012), in the form of a gallery of stars highlighting the names of printers from all over the world who their peers hold up as inspirational role models in the print community. Nominees might have pioneered a new approach or technology, or demonstrated innovation in other ways. They may simply stand out on print skill or service, for a leading stance on sustainability, or have made some other significant contribution to the industry.

Whatever makes the printer in question stand out, the nomination process is simple. Printers, agencies, brands or suppliers wanting to nominate a peer or a colleague (or even themselves!) simply visit www.fespadigital.com and complete a nomination form. The entry information will be collated by FESPA and the nominees published online, with the opportunity for members of the community to vote for their favourite candidates. FESPA will publish a list of all nominees at the end of December 2011, with the nominations closing in January 2012.

Based on the online votes, FESPA will narrow down a shortlist of up to ten printers per country to be featured in the actual Hall of Fame at the Digital 2012 event. These shortlisted printers will each receive VIP status to attend FESPA Digital 2012, and will also benefit from privileged invitations to future FESPA VIP events such as Global Summits.

Voting will continue onsite in Barcelona for the outright leader of the Hall of Fame 2012. The winner of this prestigious accolade will be announced at a champagne VIP reception for the Hall of Fame printers on the last day of FESPA Digital 2012.

FESPA Managing Director Neil Felton explains the reason for launching the Hall of Fame: "In this industry, awards are often given for particular jobs or campaigns, to printing companies, and to new technological innovations, but it's rare for the individual print professionals who drive this community to be recognised for their unique and personal contribution.

"As a relative newcomer to the world of print, I'm struck by the charismatic personalities that inhabit this sector, and the spirit of entrepreneurialism and determination which sees print service providers taking their businesses forward, sometimes against the odds. The FESPA Hall of Fame will celebrate these individuals, showcase their achievements and inspire others to follow their example."

Cada vez que aparece una nueva tecnología en un campo tradicional de producción se piensa que va a causar el efecto disrrupción. Un cambio tan radical que nada volverá a ser igual.

FESPA has partnered with SpanAir (a Star Alliance member) as the official airline carrier for FESPA Digital 2012 (21-24 February 2012), offering discounts from 10% on flights to Barcelona. More than 104* million passengers have flown with the airline since 1988, from over 100 European airports. Visitors simply need to log on to www.fespadigital.com and click the travel and accommodation link to obtain their visitor discount.

Securing the best possible rates for accommodation and travel for visitors and exhibitors at FESPA exhibitions is a high priority for the organising team. Barcelona has a plethora of hotel accommodation to suit all business budgets and the FESPA website features a list of over 45 three- to five-star hotels, with rooms starting from as little as €86.00 a night. Bookings can also be made directly via the FESPA Digital 2012 website.

According to the European Cities Monitor 2011, Barcelona is the sixth top city for business, after London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Berlin. The city is also considered ideal for organising international congresses (2nd in the International Congress and Convention Association World Country and City Ranking 2010), and Barcelona has been chosen as the mobile world capital for 2012-2018. A regular on any travellers' Top Ten European City list, the exciting Catalan capital offers exceptional communication networks, a mild Mediterranean climate and countless world-class tourist attractions.

"As a not-for-profit organisation, we are fully aware of the need for businesses to get the most out of any budget", comments Neil Felton, Managing Director, "We have worked hard to secure discounted flights and room rates for the benefit of visitors and of course for the staff of the 350 exhibiting companies we're expecting at FESPA Digital 2012."

He continues, "Our theme and campaign message for FESPA Digital 2012 is clear and positive. We urge wide format printers to 'Explore the Wider Opportunities' and the event guarantees to provide all the information and insight they need to adapt their offering and seize chances to grow their business. With Barcelona as a backdrop, and with FESPA's support to make the trip affordable, FESPA Digital 2012 is a 'must' in any forward looking printer's 2012 event calendar."