On 13 March, the German organiser Messe Düsseldorf announced the postponement of Drupa. Due to the spread of the coronavirus, the long-awaited four-yearly meeting of printing professionals has been postponed from June 2020 to April 2021.
What about the innovations of the Drupa exhibitors 2020??
Exhibitors usually wait for this event to present their new equipment and services. And with only four months to go before the German trade fair, many of them were ready to bring their innovations to market in Düsseldorf. Heidelberg has even already announced that it will be launching its machines without delay (read Drupa or not, Heidelberg will launch its products as planned ).
"Our exhibitors will certainly present some of their innovations this year, using different formats such as customer events or digital platforms", acknowledges Sabine Geldermann, the Drupa director and head of printing technology at Messe Düsseldorf.
Could Drupa be replaced by other formats concurrents??
She goes on to say: "But this will not meet the current demand - in our opinion. These formats will not be a complete substitute for a trade show with international appeal. Drupa is and will remain the printing industry's premier platform for showcasing innovations, coming together and building a network."
The printing fair again pertinent??
The coronavirus epidemic and the halt of many economic and social activities around the world could even reinforce the need for an event like Drupa, according to the director: "In the current situation, where many European countries are subject to unexpected restrictions, the need for meetings and relationships between companies and clients after such an experience will certainly be even more pronounced."
What is the program for Drupa 2021??
As for the Drupa programme of five forums and multiple conferences, it is not expected to change much. "Our top priority is to provide our visitors with highly relevant, inspiring and sustainable content. The conference programme is complemented by guided tours and was already available for bookings via our portal. Our aim now is, of course, to adapt and transfer this programme as far as possible to April.
Important issues concerning the ongoing digital transformation, topics related to the circular economy and sustainability or new business models, which will be presented in the form of lectures, panel discussions and case studies, will continue to inspire and successfully advise companies - and this will be more relevant than ever after the impact of the coronavirus"
Go to 2021?!
"Postponement represents an unprecedented new scenario for all parties involved and requires flexibility, sums up Sabine Geldermann. As in the past, we will continue to take all possible measures to postpone the success of Drupa to the new date in 2021. We have the ambition and desire to organize another unique and successful Drupa for all our customers around the world in 2021."
