Staying true to its four-year cycle, drupa will be held again in May 2028 – but this time, as a nine-day event that will only run over a single weekend.
The event’s organiser, Messe Düsseldorf, said the decision to reduce the number of days was to adjust to the changing needs and expectations of exhibitors and visitors, and reflects the continued transformation of the industry.
“drupa 2024 was more international than ever, and the positive atmosphere throughout the halls reflected our industry’s determination to drive profound change in order to make the printing and packaging industry more sustainable through automation, artificial intelligence and strategic partnerships,” Messe Düsseldorf chairman and CEO Wolfram N. Diener said.
“And these are exactly the kind of important goals that will continue to require a reliable platform such as drupa in future. What was also apparent, however, was that, as a B2B trade fair with a very high proportion of decision-makers from all over the world, the length of stays at drupa has become shorter. That’s why we want to facilitate trade fair visits with maximum efficiency.
“We believe that this adjustment is also confirmed by the experience we have gathered at our leading global trade fairs in the fields of machinery, plants and equipment, interpack and K, that address comparable customer profiles and do very well with a similar duration.”
drupa 2028 will take place in Messe Düsseldorf from 9 to 17 May 2028.
“We comprehensively and carefully analysed the recommendations of our drupa committee, the results of exhibitor and visitor surveys and feedback from partners and associations,” drupa director Sabine Geldermann said.
“Shortening the fair’s duration is a direct response to the industry’s desire for a more focused, efficient event that continues to provide international participants with a unique opportunity to discover groundbreaking innovations and technology.”
Geldermann was recently at the Printing United expo in Las Vegas, meeting with suppliers about drupa 2028 and to create the next steps in her strategic partnership with Printing United.
Sprinter spoke to Geldermann in the video below:
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
