Organisers of the world’s biggest print show say that its 1837 exhibitors from 54 countries fed back reports of successful business deals, promising contacts, and a positive spirit for the global print industry. Repositioned with its focus on themes with strong growth potential, the show has staked a claim for future, including topics such as 3D printing, functional printing, and packaging printing. Claus Bolza-Schünemann, chairman of the drupa committee, says, “The print industry is constantly re-inventing itself and offers a wealth of high-potential facets. And this is precisely what drupa 2016 has very impressively proven. We were able to experience a highly innovative industry here in the 19 exhibition halls, one that has succeeded in moving out of the valley of tears and grasping the future by the neck.â€
Around 260,000 visitors, from 188 countries, filled the halls of drupa
Around 260,000 visitors from 188 countries, including 1900 journalists from 74 countries, visited drupa 2016. Show organisers claim about 75 per cent of visitors enjoy executive status or act as decision makers ofr their companies, especially when it comes to capital expenditure. The drupa the visitors’ survey produced these results: • 54 per cent of visitors came to drupa 2016 with concrete investment intentions • 29 per cent placed orders during drupa • 30 per cent plan to place their orders after drupa • 60 per cent found new suppliers at drupa The drop in visitor attendance from 2012 (314,248) probably reflects the worldwide consolidation occurring in the industry. Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, President & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, says, “Customers, with very few exceptions, no longer come with large delegations or as part of a company outing to drupa. It is rather the top managers that travel to Düsseldorf today, and from 188 countries, to this drupa,†Totalling 76 per cent, the percentage of international visitors rose 16 per cent from four years ago. Asian visitors made up 17 per cent, in 2012 13.6 per cent. Leading European countries included Italy, France, the Netherlands, and the UK. Dornscheidt adds, “This means that drupa has enhanced its global market significance and its international rating even further. It is the unrivalled global No. 1 trade fair for the print and media industries,†As announced at the midpoint of drupa, the event will stick to its four-year cycle meaning the next drupa will take place from June 23 to July 3, 2020.
