Vehicle customisation boom as WrapFest is set for its 2024 return

Wide Format Solutions Print Solutions

WrapFest, the dedicated show for vinyl installation and vehicle wrapping professionals, will return to the Silverstone Race Circuit next year, running from 3 to 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 from leading suppliers 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 to 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 £55 million 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.

A wider array of exhibitors on the show floor 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 complementary 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.

Popular show features from last year 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, the show will host the World Wrap Masters United Kingdom and 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.’

To find out more, please visit the website here: www.wrap-fest.com