The benefits and future of AI in print and the future of print in the Middle East

FESPA Middle East 2025 will return to Dubai from 20 – 22 January at the Dubai Exhibition Centre. During this event a series of educational sessions will take place during a 3-day conference programme that will provide useful insights on trends and business advice for the speciality and signage sectors. In this blog, the conference programme for 22 January will be covered as well as information about the industry experts that will be partaking in these sessions.

During the third day of the conference programme the sessions that will be covered will predominantly focus on AI and will include an introduction, its importance in the print industry and how it can transform creativity and workflow efficiency. In addition, the future of print in the Middle East will be discussed.  

An introduction to AI, what is it and why should you embrace it?

Caption: from left to right, Ian Swarbrick from XL MEA Group, Carlo Pepe and Rob Hayes from Koshima

This session will feature Ian Swarbrick Managing Director, XL MEA Group, Carlo Pepe and Rob Hayes Co-Founders of Koshima. XL MEA Group are a market leading organisation with offices in both the UK and the UAE and provide bespoke Training, L&D, Customer Education & Professional Services to the Corporate & Education Sectors. Koshima empower businesses to use AI effectively with tailored solutions for each business’s unique goals. They identify key AI use cases that deliver real value and real results.

During this discussion the experts will offer insight into AI and its implementation into your business. They will also share what the large hardware manufactures are doing in this sector and how printers in the Middle East are using AI and what they have experienced.

AI in Print – Transforming creativity and workflow efficiency

Caption: Nigel Davies, Founder of M-Power Software and VMG Print Group

Nigel Davies is the Founder and CEO of M-Power Software and the Founder of VMG Print Group as well as being the President of the FESPA Australia Association. M-Power Software is an end-to-end system for manufacturers with a key focus on print, sign and display sectors. VMG Print Group is an industrial company that focuses on niches in printed electronics, automative, mining and transportive industries.

In his session, Nigel will discuss the latest applications of AI and will cover predictive maintenance, smart colour management, real-time data analytics. He will also share how businesses can utilise these advancements to ensure they remain consistently competitive and sustainable in the ever-changing print environment.

What is the future of Print in the Middle East?

Caption: from left to right, Nigel Davis, Ian Swarbrick and Carlo Pepe

This session will feature Nigel Davis Founder of both M-Power Software and VMG Print Group, Ian Swarbrick, Managing Director of XL MEA Group and Carlo Pepe, Co-Founder of Koshima. This panel discussion will be facilitated by Chris Minn, a Print and Marketing specialist. In this session these leaders will discuss topics such as software automation, AI and training they will cover what the future holds for the industry. It will provide valuable insights, effective strategies and how to navigate the evolving landscape and how to stay ahead in a continuously changing world. Attendees to this session will be inspired and be provided with actionable ideas.

The future of AI in print and beyond training session

Caption: from left to right, Carlo Pepe, Rob Hayes and Ian Swarbrick.

Carlo Pepe and Rob Hayes, Co-Founder and AI Business Consultants at Koshima and Ian Swarbrick, Managing Director at XL MEA Group will lead an intensive 2-hour training session for professional in the printing and visual communications industry. This training session will share how AI can help transform every aspect of a business from sales, marketing, leadership or production workflows. AI provides effective tools and solutions that can help drive the efficiency of your business, improve decision-making and offer new growth opportunities for your business.

FESPA Middle East 2025 is a world-class regional speciality print and signage exhibition. The event will offer a meeting place for visionaries to discover the latest industry innovations and learn from leading global experts, allowing you to discover industry possibilities, and make investment decisions to grow your business. Register to visit here.