The shock move to increase drupa’s appearances to once ever three years instead of the once every four it has been for the past half century comes as other print shows are under pressure, with major exhibitors struggling with the costs associated with exhibiting.

The visitor attendance figures for drupa 2012 were well down on those of the pre-GFC 2008 show.

Organisers have consulted with a selection of drupa exhibitors and visitors on how the event may be developed to their benefit. One of the topics discussed was whether drupa should be changed to a three year cycle.

Monika Kissing, manager press department, drupa and digi:media says, “As you would expect, an issue as fundamental as this, with a far-reaching impact and profound implications, has been treated with the utmost diligence. The process has not been rushed, nor will the decision be hasty or pressurised. We are currently examining the results of the study and it is our intention to announce the outcome of the consultations soon after the committee meeting.”

If drupa does move to a three year cycle it will have an impact on the other big trade shows, although to what extent is as yet unknown. Ipex alternates with drupa, with the Chicago and Tokyo shows in the alternate years. Clearly this would not continue if drupa went to a three year schedule.

* Last week, Manuel Mataré, director of drupa and daughter show digi:media, announced that he will gradually withdraw from operational management for personal reasons, progressively handing over the projects to his successor Sabine Geldermann.

This transition phase will run until the end of the second quarter of 2013, after which time Mataré will support the drupa and digi:media teams in a consulting capacity

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