SHERIDAN, WYOMING – September 24, 2024 – Messe Düsseldorf has announced that the upcoming drupa 2028, the world's leading trade fair for printing technologies, will be held from May 9th to 17th, 2028. This marks a shift from its traditional format, reducing the event's duration to nine days in response to evolving industry trends and attendee feedback.
Adapting to a Changing Landscape
The decision to shorten drupa's duration reflects the dynamic transformation of the printing and packaging industry. While drupa 2024 showcased the industry's commitment to sustainability and innovation, it also highlighted a trend towards shorter stays for attendees, particularly those in top and middle management.
Wolfram N. Diener, Chairman and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, explained the rationale behind the change: "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."
Maintaining Effectiveness and Global Appeal
Despite the shorter duration, drupa 2028 will continue to offer exhibitors a powerful platform to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and machinery. Dr. Andreas Pleßke, chairman of the drupa committee and CEO of Koenig & Bauer AG, emphasized the trade fair's enduring importance: "For Koenig & Bauer, drupa offers an unbeatable marketing format... We expressly welcome the new trade fair duration starting in 2028, as it will meet changing industry requirements without limiting the international scope of the trade fair."
A Data-Driven Decision
The decision to shorten drupa 2028 was based on a comprehensive analysis of exhibitor and visitor surveys, feedback from partners and associations, and key figures from drupa 2024. Sabine Geldermann, Director of drupa, stated: "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."
Looking Ahead
drupa 2028 will retain its focus on presenting cutting-edge technology and machines in operation, a key differentiator for the event. The new format aims to provide a more streamlined and impactful experience for both exhibitors and visitors, ensuring that drupa remains the premier global platform for the printing technologies industry.
Further details about the conceptual direction, key visual, and future claim of drupa 2028 will be unveiled in 2025.