Vehicle customisation boom as WrapFest is set for its 2024 return

WrapFest, the dedicated show for vinyl installation and vehicle wrapping professionals, will return to the prestigious Silverstone Race Circuit next year, running from 3-4 October 2024.

After a highly successful inaugural event in spring 2023, the exhibition – organised by FESPA – will once again bring together the entire European vehicle wrapping industry, including professionals from global vinyl suppliers to small wrapping businesses, expert Paint Protection Film (PPF) installers and tool makers. 

The event promises a busy show floor, full of the latest technologies and innovations including leading suppliers of printed and colour-change vinyl’s, PPF, window films, architectural vinyl’s, printing, cutting and associated machinery, software and tools. The vehicle modification industry has seen significant growth in the past five years and is expected to increase by a further 3.5% CAGR, from 2023-2028. Increasingly consumers want personalised vehicles with specialised aesthetic appeal, while companies are investing in fleet expansion, with the United Kingdom leading the way for innovation in Europe.

Feedback from the 2023 event saw a strong 78% of visitors expressing interest in returning in 2024 and, in total, the show helped facilitate £55m worth of business during the two-days. The success of the inaugural event highlighted the collaboration from within the wrapping industry, which has led to the development of new technologies that have helped deliver innovative services for clients.

The 2023 Pole Position sponsor, Hexis, commented at the inaugural show: “You can really feel the buzz and sense of community in the wrapping industry with everyone wanting to keep learning. We are seeing the market massively grow, and everyone is wanting an ultra-high gloss finish and for vinyl to look just like paint, these latest trends are being showcased here at WrapFest.”

WrapFest 2023 visitor, Hannah Black, from The Vehicle Wrapping Centre, added: “WrapFest has provided a really good opportunity to get business contacts and network. The show floor is great, everything is here from job opportunities, materials, new colours and tools.”

Building on the success of 2023

A wider array of exhibitors on the show floor at WrapFest 2024 will place a new focus on different sectors within the industry next year. The show is set to welcome companies showcasing digital print machinery and printing software which will demonstrate the versatile technologies suitable to print vinyl wraps that suit all vehicle shapes and sizes. Also joining WrapFest in 2024, garage flooring and ramp suppliers will present their latest equipment as visitors look for new ways to ensure a clean and well-fitted wrapping studio.

Companies specialising in handling and finishing equipment and complimentary products will also be present at the event. Products from small precision tools and heat guns to finishing sprays and specialised squeegees will be on-show for visitors to test for themselves. The show will also aim to attract new professionals from within the wrap industry as well as representatives from livery and race teams, as vehicle customisation and modification become even more vital for their success.

As industry trends develop, a key focus once again will be on vehicle finishes and vinyls, such as super high-gloss and colour change. Alongside this, PPF  - still heavily in its growth phase  - will be extensively showcased at WrapFest 2024, with exhibitors set to highlight its versatility as a protective wrap and its complementary features to existing vinyl options.

Returning by popular demand

Popular show features from the 2023 event will make a highly anticipated return to WrapFest 2024. Event sponsors will have a dedicated space in the crowd-favourite pit garages at Silverstone for live demonstrations, allowing visitors to learn fresh application styles and techniques from industry experts.  Also, WrapTalks, the dedicated event speaker programme returns to enable visitors to take home fresh insights and real-life stories to help grow their business and improve current skills.

Once again, WrapFest will host the World Wrap Masters United Kingdom & Ireland competition. The top regional wrap installers will go head-to-head and face a series of timed challenges over the course of the two-day show, determining who will continue to the World Wrap Masters 2025 Final. 

Duncan MacOwan, Head of Marketing and Events, FESPA, commented: “The inaugural WrapFest in 2023 was hailed a huge success, and received incredibly positive feedback from the industry. As the sector continues to grow, WrapFest 2024 looks set to be even bigger and better than before. Next year, the event will once again aim to connect our wider industry, in the hope of sharing knowledge and showcasing the latest innovations on the market. The exhibitors, features and visitors we are bringing to the show next year will position WrapFest as the leading trade event for vinyl wrapping and vehicle customisation in Europe.”

WrapFest is run by FESPA, a not-for-profit trade association and event organiser for the digital, textile, screen printing and related industries. At the heart of its mission, FESPA seeks to share information and foster connection among the stakeholders of the industries where it is present and re-invest its profits in events and conference programmes to help achieve this and drive the market forward.

To find out more about WrapFest 2024, please visit the website here.