Hype is beginning to build around the virtual.drupa tradeshow, with UK-based UV curing specialists GEW have announced their participation in next month’s virtual event.
GEW managing director of sales Robert Rae said, “We are keen to support the industry and to take a pioneering stance by actively participating in many of the stronger digital events.
“GEW has always maintained a very busy annual schedule of international exhibitions and conferences, and until a more normal schedule of events returns, we will invest in nurturing business through innovative online activities such as virtual drupa.”
The tradeshow, which will be taking place online from April 20-23, was established in December 2020 by drupa organisers Messe Düsseldorf, at the same time as the in-person exhibition had to be cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus restrictions.
The next in-person drupa show will now take place as scheduled, from 28 May to 7 June 2024.
Messe Düsseldorf’s vision for virtual.drupa is to give companies the opportunity to showcase themselves and their innovations virtually, as well as maintaining existing contacts and establishing new ones via the matchmaking feature.
In addition, the conference schedule of the five drupa ‘hot spots’ is expected to provide key incentives and set the agenda for an online transfer of knowledge. For instance, international speakers from vertical markets will present success stories, outlining the future of the industry.
The printing industry has seen drupa as a driving force for innovation, benefiting exhibitors and visitors in equal measure.
“Through direct contact, people can experience and compare technology trends and innovations, and discover new synergies. The virtual event will seek to replicate its impetus, selling power and unique atmosphere, while offering the ability to exchange ideas and nurture relationships with like-minded industry colleagues,” Messe Düsseldorf said.
In a recent interview, Dr. Markus Heering, managing director of the German printing and paper technology association, VDMA, supported virtual.drupa, saying that the tradeshow has global reach.
Prior to the tradeshow moving online, a number of exhibitors make their exit from drupa 2021, citing caution for employees, customers, prospects and partners following COVID-19 as the reason for withdrawing.
Virtual.drupa has already turned on the Networking Plaza, enabling exhibitors and visitors to use the intelligent matchmaking tool to find companies and contacts that are relevant to their business.
Registrations for the event are also now open – click here to register.
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