Over a period of eleven days, 1,427 exhibitors from 50 countries will present innovative technologies, solutions and topics that affect the industry now and in future. A wide range of special events will provide valuable know-how. Focus on digitalization and sustainability.

The international printing industry is eagerly looking forward to finally meet again in person at drupa, the world's most important event for the sector (May 28 - June 7, 2024, in Düsseldorf, Germany) to gather information and exchange ideas. In these very volatile times characterized by major social and also rapid technological changes and global megatrends, companies have to react: Those who do not anticipate important developments and adjust accordingly will endanger their competitive advantage and waste opportunities for the future.

drupa will be held at just the right time for this. The trade fair will showcase the state-of-the-art of the industry and a wide spectrum of forward-looking innovations in direct international comparison, while also offering plenty of opportunities for high-caliber knowledge exchange, dialog and networking with industry experts from around the world. On about 140,000 square meters of net exhibit space in 18 halls, 1,427 exhibitors from 50 countries will present the entire spectrum of current trends and visionary ideas relating to printing technologies. Production of packaging and printed packaging are two areas which have also significantly gained in importance. From renowned global players to aspiring newcomers and start-ups – the list of registered exhibitors reads like a who-is-who of the printing and packaging industry. A small excerpt: Bobst, Canon, Comexi, Duplo, EFI, Epson, ESKO, Fujifilm, Heidelberg, Horizon, HP, Kodak, Koenig & Bauer, Kolbus, Komori, Konica Minolta, KURZ, Landa, Müller Martini, Ricoh, Screen, Windmöller & Hölscher, Xeikon. For a complete list of exhibitors: www.drupa.com

drupa 2024 focus topics
Limited fossil resources and carbon emissions have caused sustainability to become an essential part of long-term company strategies. Depending on the use of resources, the printing and packaging industries are already using manufacturing procedures that save energy and resources today. drupa will explain the important facts for sustainable production of print and packaging solutions and which trends are evolving within the sector in order to achieve the goal of a circular economy. 

Digitalization is changing analogue processes, while artificial intelligence is taking on more and more tasks in Industry 4.0. drupa presents top technologies across the industry’s entire added value chain with a special focus on future and cross-sectional technologies. With this scenario in mind, topics like circular economy, automation, printing/finishing 4.0, artificial intelligence, platform economy and connectivity will play a central role in the conference program and expert forums.

Special forums

In times of constant change, disruptive processes and the resulting new business models, the drupa special forums are important aids for decision-making. They provide impetus and show best practices which the industry cannot do without. Together with its partners, drupa relies on its impressive range of competence across the industry and the topics which concern the future of its target groups.

drupa cube

Why is printing more important than ever in the digital age? Why do customers not always perceive printed products as sustainable? And how do you calculate your carbon footprint? These are just some of the issues that will be discussed in the drupa cube in 2024. In more than 50 sessions, the conference will offer inspiration and expertise. The program will feature five keynotes from renowned international industry specialists and presentations about topics such as increasing your business success, circular economy and sustainability, the future of print and packaging as well as sessions and best practice examples regarding new business models and trends. Hall 6/Booth F03

drupa touchpoint sustainability

touchpoint sustainability will deal with the role of the printing and paper industries in sustainable transformation and offer an overview of current, mid- and long-term developments. Technologies from mechanical and systems engineering are especially important in this context, above all with regard to quality, process safety during production and sustainability. Digitalization and AI play key parts in order to accelerate the transformation process in the print and paper industries and to realize scaling effects. Manufacturers, industry players, brands and users together will show how change can become reality in their exhibits at touchpoint sustainability. Visitors to touchpoint sustainability can also look forward to a comprehensive stage program. Hall 14/Booth D60

drupa touchpoint packaging
touchpoint packaging will concentrate on visionary, intelligent packaging solutions and bring brand owners together with designers, print service providers and converters. The involvement of students and young talents in partner projects with exhibitors promises unique packaging solutions for folding boxes, labels, flexible packaging and corrugated cardboard. In addition, there will be discussion of important questions regarding global megatrends and their impact on packaging production, for example sustainability or e-commerce. The five key topics of touchpoint packaging are neo-ecology, connectivity, glocalisation, consumer mind and future regulations. Hall 3/Booth/B31

drupa dna
Big ideas, tiny budget – for many young companies, it is not easy to make the right contacts and establish their fascinating and innovative solutions on the market. For this target group, drupa has created a special platform: drupa next age (dna). Newcomers, young talents, start-ups and established companies can network on a level playing field, find matching partners for cooperation and exchange innovative business ideas. For some participants, this is the first opportunity ever to present their businesses to an international audience of experts. Hall 7/Booth 09

drupa touchpoint textile
The drupa touchpoint textile will present the world’s first digital textile microfactory. This is a fully connected, integrated process chain – from digital simulation to design, animation and virtual rendering to production. The industry is constantly gaining new fields of application, and inkjet technology not only opens doors to sectors like clothing and fashion, but also to the interior design, architecture, automotive and many other vertical markets. Hall 4/Booth B30.

For details regarding the program, partners and speakers of each special forum: https://www.drupa.com/en/Program 

drupa 2024 shows hours are Monday - Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. A 1-day ticket costs Euro 60, a 3-day ticket Euro 165 and a 5-day ticket Euro 255 if purchased online. Information about parking tickets and tickets for public transportation is also available at the ticket shop: www.drupa.de/2130. 

For further information on visiting or exhibiting at drupa 2024, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: (312) 781-5180; E-mail: [email protected]; Visit www.drupa.com and www.mdna.com. drupa blog:: https://www.drupa.com/en/Media_News/drupa_blog 

For hotel and travel information, contact TTI Travel, Inc. at (866) 674-3476; Fax: (212) 674-3477; E-mail: [email protected];  www.ttitravel.net 

Editor's Note:  WhatTheyThink has also been selected as the exclusive media partner and drupa daily publisher for 2024.  More information on sponsoring the drupa daily is available at https://wttmedia.com/drupa/