The world’s leading trade fair for printing technologies, drupa, has decided to reduce its duration to nine days for 2021.
Organisers say this comes in response to partner association VDMA, the German Printing and Paper Technology Trade Association and exhibitors. They intend to make the presentation more efficient and to concentrate the volume of visitors in a targeted manner. The other factor in reducing its duration to nine days relates to reaction to any continuing travel activities and restrictions.
Claus Bolza-Schünemann, drupa president, says, “Since we are currently assuming that fewer visitors from overseas will be able to travel to drupa 2021, we consider a reduction from eleven to nine days to be sensible in order to direct visitor flows more efficiently. At the same time, the duration of nine days ensures that running machines can still be shown.”
Despite some corona-related cancellations, the current booking status remains at a high level with over 1,500 exhibitors and a net hall space of more than 140,000 sqm. Organisers say this underlines the industry’s confidence in the international appeal of the event. They see a need for face-to-face meetings and live presentation of running machines. Sabine Geldermann, drupa director, says, “Many of our customers also see it as their own responsibility to strengthen the industry and provide important impulses personally on site.”
The trade fair will observe proper hygiene practices. She adds, “The character of drupa in 2021, due to the pandemic and hygiene regulations, will certainly be different from what we are used to, but it will continue to make a very important contribution to the economic recovery.”
Click here for additional information on Messe Düsseldorf’s hygiene and infection protection concept.
