The FESPA Leadership Exchange (FLEX) returns to Dubai on 26 November 2026 , uniting senior print executives from Europe and the Middle East. Under the theme of resilience and growth, leaders will discuss digital transformation, supply chain pressures, and international collaboration during a content-led day of expert keynotes and peer discussions.
As the global print and visual communications landscape continues to evolve, senior executives and decision-makers face complex strategic choices. What decisions actually help a print business stay resilient, expand into new markets, and keep customers at the center of constant disruption?
These critical questions take center stage as the FESPA Leadership Exchange (FLEX) returns to Dubai on 26 November 2026. Hosted under the guiding theme “The Choices That Build Stronger Print Businesses,” this exclusive, invitation-only event at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel brings together top-tier print leaders from across the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and Europe for candid, practical discussions on growth, risk, and reinvention.
A content-led forum for senior print decision-makers
Designed specifically for leaders across digital large format, signage, textiles, and visual communications, FLEX moves far beyond standard success stories. Instead, the programme dives deep into the actual trade-offs, hard-learned lessons, and strategic pivots that shape sustainable print enterprises over time.
Key Insights: Lessons from European Print Leaders
Simon Pless, Leon van der Meer and Paul Spiers will discuss what they’d do differently on growth, risk and reinvention. The morning conference sessions examine how international leaders have navigated market volatility, invested in advanced automation, and scaled their operations:
30 Years of Disruption (Simon Pless, Kleinhempel Group): Drawing on decades of industry experience, Simon Pless (formerly owner of Erler+Pless GmbH) explores how digital transformation and changing customer expectations have shaped corporate development—including strategic decisions that delivered less than expected.
Scaling Without Losing Customer Focus (Leon van der Meer, Probo.nl): Leon shares Probo’s candid journey of leading through COVID-19, geopolitical supply chain pressures, and shifting market demand. The session highlights how to balance immediate operational challenges with long-term ambitions while maintaining team confidence and trust.
Leadership Under Pressure (Paul Spiers, The New P&L): Focusing on corporate culture and accountability, Paul Spiers examines how executives can build operational clarity and trust when market conditions are uncertain.
Following these keynote sessions, the European leaders will unite for a candid panel discussion titled “What We Would Do Differently,” exploring past risks, technology investments, and partnership strategies.
From Regional Strength to Global Opportunity in MENA
Vatche Kavlakian, CEO of NDIGITEC, will explore how global networks and collaboration can help Middle Eastern print businesses win international opportunities. The afternoon sessions turn the spotlight directly onto regional growth dynamics within the Middle East:
Bridging Global Networks (Vatche Kavlakian, NDIGITEC): Dubai-based CEO Vatche Kavlakian discusses how regional print houses can leverage international networks and advanced production capabilities to become credible partners for global brands.
Interactive Regional PESTEL Analysis: Delegates will participate in a collaborative breakdown of the political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal forces currently shaping investment and demand across the Middle East.
Resilience by Design (Prasanna Naidu, Veesham Printing Press): Prasanna Naidu shares how local market knowledge, service diversification, and strong customer loyalty have helped Veesham navigate market volatility and secure long-term operational longevity.
The next move and open forum discussions
The formal agenda concludes with “The Next Move: Where MENA Print Leaders Will Invest, Adapt and Collaborate,” followed by a moderated Open Forum. This interactive segment provides an unvarnished space for delegates to challenge assumptions, debate commercial pressures, and raise critical questions facing the regional industry.
An evening networking reception will cap off the day, allowing delegates, speakers, and FESPA representatives to continue peer exchanges.
NOTE: Attendees of FLEX will also receive invitations to the broader FESPA Middle East exhibition, taking place in Dubai on 27–29 April 2027. Interested leaders can apply to attend via the official FESPA channels.
