drupa 2024 is over and while many will be discussing the value of a “big show” for a while, based on my discussions with many exhibitors, they seem very happy and are looking forward to drupa 2028. I kept hearing it’s not the quantity of attendees, it’s the quality—i.e., fewer tire-kickers. 

More importantly, now it’s time to reflect on what was seen and what new trends have bubbled to the surface. Many were out looking for shiny and productive new hardware and software, of course with AI (was there any that didn’t include it?). However, there was also some very interesting movement on the part of some of the major equipment and solution suppliers toward directly helping their customers fill the press capacity.

While helping customers find new work is seemingly altruistic, if we look closer, the manufacturers have a stake in increasing that work as well, since they get the recurring consumable and service revenues. Historically, some of the hardware manufacturers have done this through business development programs which have, in fact, actually ramped up over the last few years to a mix of professional services, webinars, user networking groups and events, etc.