D – After eleven days, the according to own accounts world’s largest trade show for printing technologies came to a close in Düsseldorf on June 7, 2024. According to the official figures, 1,643 exhibitors from 52 nations demonstrated the industry’s progress and efficiency at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre. The emphasis here lay on automation processes with a strong focus on AI and intelligent workflows. Visitors from 174 countries ensured a high level of internationality at 80%. They were able to examine the interplay between digital and analogue technologies as well as the ever-increasing role of robotics across 18 exhibition halls.
Furthermore, the exhibitors presented practice-oriented developments and concrete solutions for the achievement of sustainability goals on the way to a functioning circular economy to the according to the official attendance figure 170,000 visitors. The significantly increased presence of exhibitors from Asia, Latin America and the MENA region underlined the high growth potential of these markets, which was also reflected by the order books. Many key players stated that they had been able to reach their sales targets after a few days already and they praised the high decision-making competence of the visitors.
“The drupa has confirmed its position as the industry’s leading show and its unique appeal in a remarkable way. The impressive internationality and above all the high decision-making competence of the visitors led on the one hand to intense and well-founded expert discussions and on the other to many direct investment decisions,” Erhard Wienkamp, Managing Director of the Düsseldorf Exhibition centre, summed up. Sabine Geldermann, Director drupa, added: “The exchange with people from all continents and from all areas of the industry was extremely enriching and inspiring. We welcomed around 50 large delegations from different nations, many globally-operating associations and organisations chose the drupa as the ideal setting for their conferences and board meetings.”
The extensive supporting programme comprising of the five special forums in total – drupa cube, drupa next age (dna) as well as the touchpoints packaging, textile und sustainability – also met with a great response. Furthermore, the industry initiative WE.LOVE.PRINT celebrated its launch at the drupa 2024, which is the enabling partner of the campaign. WE.LOVE.PRINT draws attention to the values of print and thus creates a new basis for a more successful brand communication in combination with digital media. Guided tours on various different themes rounded the trade show experience off. The next drupa is scheduled to take place in 2028.
//Mika Gehlen
Photos: Till Barth, © WA Media
