6 minute read
WRAPFEST
By Katie May/Brooke Speight
WrapFest 2024 brought together over 700 professionals from the vehicle wrapping and surface detailing sectors across 25 countries. The event provided a unique 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.
New Products on Display
Over the course of two days, visitors explored innovations in vinyl, PPF (Paint Protection Film), tools, and largeformat printing equipment from 30 exhibiting companies. William Smith debuted its Launchpad V WRAP PRO vehicle wrapping film, alongside new ranges of 3M Di-NOC interior wrapping materials. 3M introduced a Protection Wrap Film combining vehicle personalization with durability, designed to protect against rock chips, scratches, stains, and the elements.
Avery Dennison, partnering with celebrity car designer Yiannimize, unveiled four striking new shades in the Supreme Wrapping Film™ Yiannimize Series. These shades - red, grey, purple, and pink – were showcased on Yianni Charalambous's Lamborghini Revoluto, wrapped in eyecatching baby pink on day one. APS and Fedrigoni jointly announced their groundbreaking Ultimate Wrapping Film (UWF), featuring over 30 shades with more colors planned for 2025. The product combines sleek, slide-on application with a premium gloss finish and exceptional conformability. Additional highlights included Papergraphics' Stock & Roll print room storage solution, Adapt's partnership with Pro Film, Grafityp's new Omega Skinz forged carbon fiber vinyl,
PressOn Automotive's expanded commercial printing services, and Spandex Zeno's cutting-edge design rendering services debut.
Expert Advice and Hands-On Demos
The Business Surgery Clinic with Yianni Charalambous offered visitors personalized advice on marketing, expansion, customer acquisition, and pricing. Charalambous emphasized building expertise, maintaining customer relationships, and addressing business challenges such as streamlining workloads and improving lead generation.
A dedicated Surface Decoration Showcase area displayed products for interior spaces, including furniture wraps, window films, and wall coverings. Visitors participated in handson demonstrations, learning to wrap various surfaces with expert guidance from Surfex. Meanwhile, the Pit Demos featured over 70 live sessions showcasing PPF, vinyl application, and digital printing. Notable demonstrations included 3M's latest film range, Metamark's M-PPF® products, Grafityp's digital printing and colored films installation, and Global Hi-Tech's PPF installation techniques.
The Wrap Institute, as official Learning Partner, hosted educational sessions covering the '8-step cleaning protocol,' measuring tips, zerostretch wrapping techniques, and guidance on hardware removal versus wrapping around it.
Inspiring Talks
The Wrap Talks program featured industry leaders discussing crucial topics. The 'Engaging the Next Generation' panel explored social media strategies and methods for attracting young talent, with Lauren Brown, Alex Pollard, Isabel Shanahan, and Chris Edwards sharing insights on leveraging social media and apprenticeship programs.
The 'Women in Wrap' session, featuring Paige Walton, Dani Jordan, and Alex Kaye, explored customer experience, team building, and fostering inclusive environments. Yiannimize's keynote touched on recent successes, including the KSI luminous green wrap, while emphasizing mentorship and collaboration in career development.
The Industry Leadership Panel with Richard Clark and Andrew Willson discussed young people's role in innovation and the importance of continuous skill development. The sustainability session with
Suzi Ward and Jon Hutton highlighted graphics waste recycling and encouraged participation in the FESPA Waste Accreditation Scheme.
Show and Shine Competition
The Show and Shine competition showcased impressive entries over both days. Bluelight Graphics won day one with their 'Rusty' Volkswagen Caddy, designed for emergency services livery. Michael Haynes from Bluelight Graphics shared their excitement about the win and the interest their design generated. Shore Wraps claimed day two's victory with their BMW 3 Series, demonstrating exceptional livery design and vinyl application skills.
The official Wrap Party at Blackpit Brewery provided networking opportunities and celebration for industry professionals.
World Wrap Masters Competition
The World Wrap Masters UK 2024, hosted by Ole Solskin and sponsored by leading brands including HP, Carlas, Arlon, WrapStock, Fiery, and Wrapgloves, challenged participants through various timed tasks. Competitors wrapped panels, bonnets, and mystery objects using vinyl and PPF materials under the scrutiny WrapFest 2024 - by Visually Rich -04458
of judges Kiss Lajos and Ivan Tenchev. Chris Hooper of WRAPWORX LTD emerged victorious after an intense finale requiring contestants to wrap an entire car side using one vinyl sheet within 60 minutes. His win secured a spot in the 2025 Berlin global finals. "The competition gets better every year," said Hooper. "I am honored to have competed against such talent and look forward to the World Wrap Masters Final in Berlin."
Duncan MacOwan, Head of Events at FESPA, praised WrapFest's second edition as "an unmissable showcase of innovation and creativity," highlighting its role in bringing together the global wrapping community for networking, learning, and celebrating achievements. The event successfully demonstrated the industry's growth through product innovation, educational opportunities, and competitive excellence.
