Printers converging again for mammoth tradeshow drupa in 2020 will be privy to Messe Dusseldorf’s $200m overhaul, with a sprawling section of the halls slated to be completely modernised by 2019.

The southern section of exhibition centre (next to the river) Messe Dusseldorf is set to be reconstructed ahead of the next drupa. The $200m investment is the first tranche of a $900m upgrade schedule due to be completed by 2030.

Work is scheduled to begin after trade fair interpack in May next year, and will be completed by the middle of 2019. The overhaul will include a 7800sqm entrance lobby building 65 feet high overlooking the Rhine river.

The new hall will be the size of existing halls 8a and 8b, comprising some 12000sqm which can accommodate 10,000 seated guests. It will also include six meeting rooms on the first floor.

[Related: All the news from drupa 2016]

“By redesigning the South Entrance, we are creating a high-quality condition for exhibitors and visitors, both architecturally and functionally – the same we already have at the North Entrance,” says Messe Dusseldorf CEO Werner Dornscheidt.

“Traditionally, we always had a comprehensive understanding of customer focus and service. The Messe Düsseldorf 2030 strategy therefore includes the development of our fairgrounds and our portfolio as well as the hard and software we use as trade fair organisers.”

The reconstruction of Messe Dusseldorf will accommodate thousands more international printers to drupa 2020, growing capacity for the booming tradeshow attendance.

The drupa 2020 will be a summertime show, running from June 23 to July 3. The drupa organisers had to hastily reschedule what was going to be a 2019 show when the major exhibitors got together at this year’s drupa and said they would not attend a show every three years. 

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