The voting decision, which was described as ‘unanimous’ by the Assembly, will mean all national Member Associations that have served at least two years with the organisation will now be able to vote on issues that shape the future of FESPA.

“The strengthened constitutional position of our global Member Associations is an important part of our growth and development plan,” explains FESPA chief executive officer, Nigel Steffens.

With rival show Sign and Digital UK a well established facet of the UK sign industry, The European Sign Expo is set to broaden the reach and coverage of the mainly wide-format print focussed event.

“It is a natural progression for FESPA to develop a sign exhibition to serve the European market; sign-makers are already part of FESPA’s global community. As the convergence between the sign and print sectors continues, we want to guide graphic producers and their customers on how they can maximise the impact and effectiveness of signage," says FESPA managing director of exhibitions and events Neil Felton.

The new show will occupy some 5,000sq m adjacent to the existing FESPA 2013 halls and will feature distinct branding and entrances. It will also be free of charge to visitors to FESPA 2013 and is decribed by the organisation as, 'a focused sign event in which to explore innovations in architectural and informational signage, including channel lettering, signage systems, illuminated displays and digital signage'.

“Developing an exhibition for the sign industry is an important mission for ESF. As a Federation, our objectives include providing a central point where the sign making community can obtain industry information, as well as facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences. We believe an exhibition is the perfect platform for individuals to be able to do this while also sourcing equipment solutions to improve the performance of their business," says Roger Persson, president of the European Sign Federation comments.

“We are delighted to hear FESPA has launched the European Sign Expo in London. This event is the ideal platform for us to encourage our network of 70 sign production centres to visit the show and keep up to speed with industry trends, as well as enable us to facilitate meetings and create further networking opportunities,” commented Signs Express managing director, Craig Brown on the news.

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