drupa announces special forums

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

The global trade fair for print technologies will facilitate the display of a broad spectrum of innovations that will shape the future and offers many opportunities for high-calibre knowledge exchange, discussions and networking with world-renowned sector experts.

On a net area of approximately 140,000 sqm with 18 show halls, the exhibitors will present the spectrum of current trends and visionary ideas within print technology.

From renowned global players to newcomers and start-ups – the list of registered exhibitors includes:  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.

A full list of all exhibitors is available online at www.drupa.de.

Sustainability has become an essential part of long-term company strategies. drupa will showcase the sustainable production of print and packaging solutions and the trends evolving within the sector to achieve the goal of a circular economy.

Digitalisation 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, focusing on future and cross-sectional technologies. Topics such as the circular economy, automation, printing/finishing 4.0, artificial intelligence, platform economy and connectivity will take centre stage in the conference programme and expert forums.

Special forums

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

drupa dna

Big ideas, tiny budget – for many young companies, it’s 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 chance ever to present their businesses to an international audience of experts. Hall 7/Booth 09

drupa touchpoint textile

The drupa touchpoint textile presents the world’s first digital textile micro-factory. This is a fully connected, integrated process chain – from digital simulation to design, animation and virtual rendering to production. One thing is sure: 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 interior design, architecture, automotive and many other vertical markets. Hall 4/Booth B30

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 discussed in the drupa cube 2024. In more than 50 sessions, the conference offers inspiration and expertise. The programme features five great keynotes from renowned international industry specialists and presentations about increasing your business success, circular economy and sustainability, and the future of print and packaging. It also features sessions and best practice examples regarding new business models and trends. Hall 6/Booth F03

drupa touchpoint sustainability

Touchpoint sustainability deals with the role of the printing and paper industries in sustainable transformation and offers an overview of current, mid and long-term developments. Mechanical and systems engineering technologies are critical in this context, especially regarding quality, process safety during production, and sustainability. Digitalisation and AI are key to accelerating the transformation process in the print and paper industries and realising scaling effects. Manufacturers, industry players, brands and users together show how change can become a reality in their many exhibits at touchpoint sustainability. Visitors to touchpoint sustainability can also enjoy a broad accompanying programme. Hall 14/Booth D60

drupa touchpoint packaging

Touchpoint packaging concentrates on visionary, intelligent packaging solutions and brings 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. Beyond this, important questions will be discussed regarding global megatrends and their impact on packaging production, such as 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

For details regarding the programme, partners and speakers of each particular forum, see: https://www.drupa.de/de/Programm

drupa 2024 is open for visiting professionals from Tuesday, 28 May to Friday, 07 June 2024, Mon–Thurs from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sat + Sun from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A 1-day ticket costs 60 euros, a 3-day ticket 165 euros, and a 5-day ticket 255 euros. Information about parking tickets and tickets for public transport is also available at the ticket shop: www.drupa.de/1130.

For more information, see www.drupa.de. The drupa blog is available at www.drupa.de/de/Media_News/drupa_blog