Championing the Future of Visual Communication Manufacturing

Since their strategic repositioning in 2014, FESPA Nederlands has redefined itself as an industry association for manufacturers of visual communication products. Its mission is to empower print and sign businesses with the tools, knowledge and connections to support future-proof entrepreneurship.

FESPA Nederlands recognised that the Dutch print and sign market is highly dynamic, with companies no longer confined to traditional segments, and many offering a wide and diverse range of products. The Netherlands has several large print service providers, such as Probo (100,000 M – 750 FTE), Print.com (90,000 M – 350 FTE), and Hoevenaars (50,000 M – 150 FTE). These large service providers act not as direct to consumer brands, but as an extension of the production of print and sign companies.

As part of their restructuring, FESPA Nederlands introduced a tiered corporate membership model to better serve the needs of the print and sign industry. Today, they proudly have 145 members, divided into two key groups. Industry members (100 members, €350 per year) who focus on processing, and industry partners (45 members, €2,650 per year) that support the supplier side.

Beyond the corporate membership, they created an exclusive individual membership for innovative entrepreneurs (27 members €2,650 per year). These members have carved a unique position in the market, shaping the future of Dutch visual communications. They strive to ensure the diversity of their participants, who actively share knowledge and complement each other rather than compete. They offer tailored, high value experiences to help exchange learning and inspire. Some of the activities they run include an inspiration tour consisting of a three-day study trip to different European countries visiting leading manufactures, and Inovator4inovator, a peer learning format where one member hosts, sharing company successes, challenges and future plans. Also, within FESPA@work they visit unique companies such as software developers, robotic innovators and car manufacturers to help bring fresh perspectives.

Since 2024, FESPA Nederlands has launched a forward-thinking initiative; Focus Groups. This concept was born from the concern across the sector of the aging of the industry and generational shifts. Now, tools like ChapGPT are the go-to resources, ensuring the continued availability of knowledge and experience. This led them to launch their secure online platform, where their members can access resources through a login. They quickly realised something important, they often are serving as a conduit of knowledge from others, especially the FESPA Federation, while overlooking the vast expertise within their own Dutch community.

With the introduction of Focus Groups, FESPA Nederlands is taking a proactive approach to building and capturing knowledge across all segments of the industry. They aim to create a balanced mix across the supply chain, ensuring diversity of perspectives and experiences. Groups remain intentionally small and focused, allowing deep, constructive discussions. When needed, they invite external experts to guide the discussion, but the goal is always practical, to generate actionable insights and shared understanding. They then publish a white paper adding value to their membership.

FESPA Nederlands strives to be there for everyone active in the visual communications sector. Therefore, they publish a newsletter every two weeks. Once a year they organise a major industry event: the TREND event.

Each year, on the second Monday of December, FESPA Nederlands hosts its flagship industry gathering; the TREND event. This event has grown into a high quality must attend occasion, attracting and inspiring professionals from the sector. Each edition is built around a theme, this year they look ahead; a print and sign company in 2030, featuring eight workshops and two keynote speakers. One of the key drivers of the events success is the strong collaboration with event partners. This year, more than 20 industry partners

have committed to support, each entitled to invite 8 guests to attend free of charge. Additionally, all FESPA Nederlands members may attend the event for free with two guests.