WrapFest 2024 revs up the vehicle customisation industry

Print Solutions Wide Format Solutions

WrapFest 2024 concluded another successful event, energising the vehicle customisation and surface decoration industry once again. As the only event bringing together over 700 professionals in the vehicle wrapping and surface detailing sectors across 25 countries, WrapFest 2024 offered something for everyone with an eye on the industry. 

It provided a platform for attendees to learn about the latest trends, products, and best practices with over two thirds of visitors noting new techniques and ideas to grow their businesses (71%). The event also offered a competitive edge, where wrappers from across Europe tested their skills against one another.

Over the course of two days, visitors explored a diverse range of innovations, from vinyl and PPF (paint protection film) to the latest tools and large format printing equipment from 30 exhibiting companies. 

A highly anticipated addition, the Business Surgery Clinic with Yianni Charalambous, offered visitors personalised advice on business topics like marketing, expansion, customer acquisition, and pricing. Yianni Charalambous emphasised the importance of building expertise, maintaining long term customer relationships, and addressing challenges such as streamlining workloads and improving lead generation.

Another new edition this year, was a dedicated Surface Decoration Showcase area which showcased a wide range of products for interior spaces, including furniture wraps, window films, wall coverings, and window tinting solutions. The area allowed visitors to participate in hands-on demonstrations and tutorials, learning to wrap round tabletops, doors, and other surfaces with expert guidance from Surfex. 

Meanwhile, the Pit Demos, participants witnessed live demonstrations on PPF, vinyl application, and digital printing. WrapFest gave attendees a platform to enhance their learnings and build their skills through hands-on demonstrations and expert guidance from global brands. Leading industry trainers showcased the latest techniques, materials, and products, providing valuable insights and inspiration for industry professionals at over 70 live sessions.

The Pit Demos also served as a stage for showcasing new products and innovations in the vehicle wrapping industry, complementing the exhibition floor upstairs.

The Wrap Institute, the official Learnings Partner of WrapFest, also hosted a series of educational sessions and practical workshops for all attendees. Embodying its motto, ‘never stop learning’ to master technical skills, it offered sessions on a variety of informative topics, including the ‘eight step cleaning protocol’ along with measuring tips, strategies for achieving zero stretch while wrapping with 70% less energy output, guidance on whether ‘to remove hardware or wrap around it’, and techniques for effectively wrapping mirrors on vehicles.

Wrap Talks, the event’s dedicated educational programme, saw a collection of industry leaders and inspiring voices take to the stage to offer plentiful learning opportunities over the two days.

The World Wrap Masters (WMM) UK 2024 competition thrilled attendees with intense challenges, culminating in Chris Hooper of Wrapworx winning the crown and securing a spot in the global finals in Berlin in 2025. His win was a testament to his skill and endurance, competing against some of the best in the industry. 

The competition tested the skills and endurance of the participants, through a series of timed challenges, which included wrapping panels, bonnets and mystery objects (toolbox and water bottle).

The finale on day two required contestants to wrap an entire side of a car using just one single sheet of vinyl in under 60 minutes, pushing them to their limits. The high intensity competition was filled with excitement and fun, attracting an enthused crowd. Speaking on winning WWM United Kingdom 2024, Chris Hooper, said: ‘It means a lot to have won the UK round! The competition gets better and better every year here, which made this year extra challenging for me. I am honoured to have competed against such talent and to have tested my skills and knowledge. I am looking forward to going to the World Wrap Masters Final in Berlin next year.’ 

Duncan MacOwan, head of events at FESPA, said: ‘It was brilliant to be back at WrapFest with the show once again hailing the vibrant wrapping community from all different corners of the globe. It was an unmissable showcase of innovation and creativity, with exhibitors unveiling cutting edge products and industry experts connecting with new and old faces. WrapFest served as a premier gathering of our community and gave attendees a platform for networking, learning, and celebrating achievements.’