It's only 3 months before the doors to the world's most important print & graphic discipline show opens. Over a period of eleven days, 1,427 exhibitors from 50 countries will present innovative technologies, solutions and topics that affect the industry now and in future. A wide range of special events will provide valuable know-how. The main focus on digitalisation and sustainability.
drupa covers over 140,000m2 - one day is rarely enough
There’s a great deal of anticipation in the international printing industry right now, as everyone will finally be able to meet up in person and exchange information at drupa, the world’s most important event for the sector, from 28th May to 07th June in Düsseldorf, Germany. In these volatile times characterised by large social and rapid technological changes and global megatrends, companies need to respond accordingly: those who do not anticipate important developments and adjust accordingly risk endangering their competitive edge and may waste opportunities for the future.
Drupa is being held at just the right moment for this. In an international comparison, this leading global trade fair for print technologies demonstrates the state of the industry’s art and a wide spectrum of innovations which will shape the future. It also offers a multitude of opportunities for high-calibre knowledge exchange, discussions and networking with world-renowned sector experts.
In a net area of approximately 140,000 m² with 18 show halls; 1,427 exhibitors from 50 countries will present the entire spectrum of current trends and visionary ideas within print technology. Production of packaging and printed packaging are two areas which have also significantly gained in importance. From renowned global players to aspiring newcomers and start-ups – the list of registered exhibitors is too big to detail but the big names include: Bobst, Canon, Comexi, Duplo, EFI, Epson, ESKO, Fujifilm, Heidelberg, Horizon, Hanway, HP, Kodak, Koenig & Bauer, Kolbus, Komori, Konica Minolta, KURZ, Landa, Müller Martini, Mutoh, Ricoh, Screen, Windmöller & Hölscher, Xeikon. The complete list of exhibitors can be viewed online at www.drupa.de.
drupa 2024 focus topics
Limited fossil resources and carbon emissions have caused sustainability to become an essential part of long-term company strategies. Depending on the use of resources, the print and packaging industries are already using manufacturing procedures that save energy and resources today. drupa explains the important facts for sustainable production of print and packaging solutions and which trends are evolving within the sector in order to achieve the goal of a circular economy.
Digitalisation is changing analogue processes, while artificial intelligence is taking on more and more tasks in Industry 4.0. drupa presents top technologies across the industry’s entire added value chain with a special focus on future and cross-sectional technologies. With this scenario in mind, topics like circular economy, automation, printing/finishing 4.0, artificial intelligence, platform economy and connectivity will be taking centre stage in the conference programme and expert forums.
Special forums
In times of constant change, disruptive processes and the resulting new business models, the drupa special forums are important aids for decision-making. They provide impetus and show best practices which the industry cannot do without. Together with its partners, drupa relies on its impressive range of competence across the industry and the topics which concern the future of its target groups.
drupa cube
Why is printing more important than ever in the digital age? Why do customers not always perceive printed products as sustainable? And how do you calculate your carbon footprint? These are just some of the issues that will be discussed in the drupa cube in 2024. In more than 50 sessions, the conference offers inspiration and expertise. The programme features five great keynotes from renowned international industry specialists and presentations about topics like increasing your business success, circular economy and sustainability, the future of print and packaging as well as sessions and best practice examples regarding new business models and trends. Hall 6/Booth F03
drupa touchpoint sustainability
Touchpoint sustainability deals with the role of the printing and paper industries in sustainable transformation and offers an overview of current, mid- and long-term developments. Technologies from mechanical and systems engineering are especially important in this context, above all with regard to quality, process safety during production and sustainability. Digitalisation and AI play key parts in order to accelerate the transformation process in the print and paper industries and to realise scaling effects. Manufacturers, industry players, brands and users together show how change can become reality in their many exhibits at touchpoint sustainability. Visitors to touchpoint sustainability can also enjoy a broad accompanying programme. Hall 14/Booth D60
drupa touchpoint packaging
Touchpoint packaging concentrates on visionary, intelligent packaging solutions and brings brand owners together with designers, print service providers and converters. The involvement of students and young talents in partner projects with exhibitors promises unique packaging solutions for folding boxes, labels, flexible packaging and corrugated cardboard. Beyond this, there will be discussion of important questions regarding global megatrends and their impact on packaging production, for example sustainability or e-commerce. The five key topics of touchpoint packaging are neo-ecology, connectivity, glocalisation, consumer mind and future regulations. Hall 3/Booth/B31
drupa dna
Big ideas, tiny budget – for many young companies, it’s not easy to make the right contacts and establish their fascinating and innovative solutions on the market. For this target group, drupa has created a special platform: drupa next age (dna). Newcomers, young talents, start-ups and established companies can network on a level playing field, find matching partners for cooperation and exchange innovative business ideas. For some participants, this is the first chance ever to present their businesses to an international audience of experts. Hall 7/Booth 09
drupa touchpoint textile
For details regarding the textile programme, partners and speakers of each special forum, see: https://www.drupa.de/de/Programm
Entry costs
Drupa 2024 opens on Tuesday, 28th May and closes on Friday, 07th June. Entry costs are:
1-day ticket: € 60
3-day ticket: € 165
5-day ticket: € 255
Getting there
Most major airlines will get you from Australia-New Zealand capital cities into Düsseldorf, or nearby Frankfurt (1.5 hours away by train). You could also consider flying into another European centre such as Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, London or Manchester, take a break and getting a connecting flight. If one-stop travel is what you want, Dubai, Dohar and Abu Dhabi offer connections direct into Düsseldorf and this can take as little as 23 hours from Eastern seaboard/NZ cities but beware - some stop overs are lengthy and can blow your journey time out to 39 hours. Several airlines, such as Turkish and JAL, offer 2-stop journeys but again, can mean a long time en route unless you have a few days break along the way. Talk to your travel agent about best route to suit, and take a few days in your fave European destination.
