But, while research data like this gives us some interesting pointers, we at FESPA believe that printers’ sustained success is rooted in far more than technology, process and output efficiency. The BluePrint we published after our Global Summit event in Miami, FL in 2010 set out a manifesto for growth. We singled out the attributes that we believed would define the businesses that would succeed in the years ahead. At the top of the list were strong business leadership and strategic commitment to innovation. So it’s reassuring to see that the leaders of hundreds of North American print businesses have grasped the importance of these, and are coming to FESPA Americas to set their growth plans in motion.

To pursue ambitious plans, business leaders need ideas, intelligence and bags of confidence. We’re convinced that FESPA’s global events have an important role to play in imparting the knowledge and insight that will give delegates that confidence. That’s why we set out to create a brand new event that would move the boundaries of what North American printers expect from a conventional trade show.

FESPA Americas promises a festival of visitor features, offering expert advice, hands-on experience, or simply a healthy dose of buzz and inspiration. As well as the Global Business Forum (February 24-25), visitors can take part in a Screen Masters Workshop with five international screen printing gurus; see digital print technologies performing in real-time production conditions at the first ever FESPA Print Shop Live; check out the Innovation Theater ; watch vehicle wrappers go head-to-head in the live action FESPA Wrap Cup; or participate in the Digital Textile Conference (February 25). This innovative blend of education and entertainment seems to be striking a chord with our US audience. More than 50 percent of pre-registered attendees tell us they’re planning to take advantage of at least one of these show floor events.

We sincerely hope that FESPA Americas 2011 will help our visitors make their business resolutions a reality. If you’ve resolved that 2011 will be a year of positive change for your print business, the old business adage applies: if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you always got. Time then to shake things up, leave your comfort zone and do something you’ve never done before? A trip to the first ever FESPA Americas could be just the thing...