At the heart of discussions surrounding evolving trends in the printing industry, the drupa cube 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany is poised to resume its role as a central gathering point for leaders in print and packaging.

Situated in Hall 6 at drupa 2024 from May 28 to June 7, the cube stands out as a core component of the conference, one of the five specialised forums within the world’s largest trade fair for printing technologies.

International speakers will share insights on diverse topics, presenting and discussing themes aligned with the cube’s primary goals: fostering engagement, providing entertainment, and facilitating education.

Highlighted subjects include considerations like carbon footprints, the impact of the digital age, and sustainability in print. With more than 50 sessions lasting around 45 minutes, the drupa cube aims to inspire and impart expertise.

Other sessions delve into the future of print and packaging, exploring new business models and emerging trends.

Speakers will share practical examples and engage in discussions about global megatrends influencing the print and packaging industry.

Beyond being a knowledge-sharing platform, the drupa cube acts as a networking space. Guest speakers bring perspectives from the print industry and areas like advertising agencies, market research, academia, consulting, and professional trade associations.

Top speakers and topics for 2024

Among drupa cube’s distinguished speakers is Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy, a luminary in the advertising realm.

Sutherland’s central message revolves around the idea that the more consideration and effort invested in communication, the more persuasive the message becomes. At drupa, he will elucidate why print remains indispensable in the Digital Age.

Samir Husni, also known as ‘Mr. Magazine,’ will address editorial credibility and value in the Digital Age, focusing on the challenges posed by questionable truth and validity in social media content, leading to a decline in consumer trust.

Renowned scientist Mark Maslin, Professor of Earth Systems Science at UCL, will share insights on climate change and its global implications. In his keynote, Maslin will discuss the responsibilities commercial organisations bear in combating climate change, emphasising the role of the printing industry in achieving sustainability goals.

Dr. Calvin Lakhan from York University will provide a captivating glimpse into his research on environmental science, waste management, recycling, and sustainability. As part of the “Waste Wiki” project, he aims to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and government to promote the circular economy.

James Loudon, a founding Partner of IoT One, will shed light on Asian markets as sources of growth and innovation, drawing from his extensive experience in Asia and collaborations with multinational companies seeking expansion.

The Programme

The drupa cube’s programme is around four key themes: “Print and Packaging Futures,” “Business Boosters,” “Trends,” and “Circular Economy and Sustainability.”

Under “Print and Packaging Futures,” sessions will explore visions for developments in print and packaging technologies, focusing on innovation, the circular economy, sustainability, and digital printing. Notable presentations include Admir Jonuz’s discussion of the future of digital and Flexo hybrid solutions, and Steve Knight’s delving into the impact of technology on print.

The “Business Booster” sessions provide actionable insights into sales, marketing, and innovation culture. Topics include account-based sales and marketing by Robert Norum and a discussion on navigating the VUCA world by Frazer Chesterman.

“Trends” cube sessions offer insights into global trends and emerging business models. Dario Urbinati will explain the importance of vision in addressing challenges like the skills shortage and digitisation.

The program also strongly emphasises “The Circular Economy and Sustainability.” Jonathan Tame will present the results of a consumer study on evaluating print products for sustainability, and a VDMA panel discussion will focus on sustainability as a driving force in the printing and packaging market.

Further information on the programme in the drupa cube is at www.drupa.com/en/Program   

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter