The inaugural event, taking place from 26 – 27 April 2023 at the Silverstone racing circuit, Northamptonshire, will bring together wrap professionals and enthusiasts from across Europe. Image Justin Pate.
Despite being around since 1920, it is only in the last 20 years or so that the vehicle wrapping industry has exploded. In 2021, the global automotive wrap films market size was valued at a staggering USD 4.76 billion and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.2% from 2022 to 2030[1].
Vehicle wrapping has cemented itself as one of the most popular digital print applications. Demand for both vehicle personalisation for decorative reasons, made popular by a number of celebrity-wrapped cars, and for advertising and branding purposes, has proliferated in recent years largely owing to its aesthetic appeal, simplicity, protective qualities and cost-effectiveness compared to vehicle paint. The result is the emergence of a thriving industry characterised by innovation and creativity, that, unphased by the pandemic, continues to go from strength-to-strength.
It is against this backdrop that WrapFest arrives, the brand-new event dedicated to the vehicle wrapping, vinyl installation and detailing community. The event, organised by FESPA, will run for the first time from 26 – 27 April 2023 at the Silverstone racing circuit, Northamptonshire, UK – the iconic home of the British Grand Prix. Attendees will be treated to a content-rich event experience with internationally recognised brands showcasing their market-leading products, live demonstrations from the industry’s hottest names, Wrap Talks, the launch event’s intimate speaker programme, the regional heat of the UK and Ireland World Wrap Masters, and much more.
The latest innovations in wrapping, all under one roof
Occupying Halls 1 and 2 of the new Silverstone Wing will be prominent global brands showcasing their products for custom vehicle wrapping and detailing, including graphic, colour-change and paint protection films, window tints, digital printing and laminating equipment, vinyl cutting and finishing, design software, cleaning products, and accessories and tools. The exhibition will be a hotbed of innovation, with wrap professionals and enthusiasts able to view, touch and try products at every stage of the wrapping process, furthering their knowledge of the market, and enhancing their own careers and ambitions in the industry.
When it comes to leading experts from companies supplying equipment and supplies most will be present demonstrating techniques to get the perfect finish.
Additionally, The Wrap Institute, the event’s official Training Partner, will organise sessions on behalf of FESPA in its own pit garage. The organisation, an online learning community with 2,000+ instructional videos for vinyl wrap installation, production, design and business, was founded by legendary wrapping trainer and installer Justin Pate, who alongside fellow Avery Dennison wrapping trainer Rainer Lorz, are sure to offer attendees new perspectives and insights on wrapping simply not possible elsewhere.
Exclusive insights from big industry names
Hall 1’s show floor will play host to Wrap Talks, the event’s speaker programme. Free for all visitors, the programme’s interactive format, ranging from energised fireside chats to influencer interviews, will invite some of wrapping industry’s most recognisable names to share their unique perspectives and insights on the industry, while also giving visitors the opportunity to ask questions in an intimate setting.
So far, confirmed speakers include celebrity wrapper Yianni Charalambous (Yiannimize), automotives influencer and wrapping enthusiast Archie Hamilton, livery design specialist Joshua Stedford (Livery Magic), wrap entrepreneur Corey England (WrapCapital), and a series of Wrap Institute trainers – including Justin Pate and Rainer Loz - two of the most technically gifted wrapping specialists around.
Stedford, in a talk titled ‘The Art and Science behind Livery Design’, will discuss the creative process of developing a livery, including tips on logo and decal placement, how to create a stand-out colour scheme, and how to use a car’s body shape to your advantage.
Pate will deliver a series of talks, touching on a variety of wrapping topics. These include deceptively simple selling tips for sign shops and installers, the art of upselling car wraps, and why interior wraps are the future.
A trade show like no other
The vibrancy and colour of the wrapping community is unlike any other. To reflect this, WrapFest will take on a different look and feel to a typical trade show, with a 'festival forecourt’ where international food trucks and music in the racecourse paddock area. At the end of the first day (Wednesday 26th – 17:00 – 20:00), the festival forecourt will play host to the Wrap Party. With live DJ sets and a beer tent, the party will offer visitors and exhibitors the perfect opportunity to wind down after a long day of sourcing, networking and learning.
Furthermore, there will be a number of exciting competitions for wrappers to try their hand at. Firstly, the Show and Shine competition offers a limited number of visitors the chance to bring their own wrapped cars to display within the ‘festival forecourt’ which will then be judged each day to find the ‘coolest’ wrapped car. The People’s Choice Award will be voted for by the wrapping community based on the look of the wrap, while the Judge’s Choice – will involve a panel of special guests and esteemed judges who will consider the aesthetics and beyond. The winner will be announced at 3pm on each show day.
‘Wrap Warrior’ battle, hosted by The Wrap Institute, will provide another opportunity for visitors to test their wrapping skills. This competition, open to anybody, will invite competitors to take part in one of three contests – Bing Bing Plate, Chance of Clouds and Wrap the Dots. It will offer many participants a unique opportunity to demonstrate and hone their skills using a variety of different tools and equipment, plus the chance to win some cool t-shirts.
For more information, including how to register for a ticket, visit the WrapFest website: https://www.wrap-fest.com/
For discounted entry to WrapFest, use promo code: WPFM303