A mix of New Zealand print industry experts took the first step to visiting drupa 2016 when they attended the official drupa briefing in Auckland yesterday.
Robert Laing, from Messe Reps and Travel, which organises travel and accommodation to this and other events, introduced the speakers and encouraged the Kiwi audience to consider travelling to drupa 2016.
On the waterfront, from left: Werner Dornscheidt, Dr Markus Heering, and Robert Laing
Werner Dornscheidt, president and chief executive of drupa organiser Messe Düsseldorf, delivered a comprehensive presentation on how drupa will operate next year assisted by Dr Markus Heering, managing director of the VDMA, the Association of German Machine and System Engineers.
While Heering dealt with technology advances that drupa will highlight, Dornscheidt, who will visit 45 countries, explained the role that drupa and Messe Düsseldorf plays in promoting the industry.
He says that drupa’s repositioning will help keep it in the forefront of print developments. He says, “As the world’s leading trade fair, we want you to benefit the most from your visit to drupa. We are promoting a new structure that will give you a new look and a new feel. Our slogan says, ‘Touch the future.’
“Our new strategy has gained positive recognition. Of course, the principle of drupa remains the same. For 11 show days, drupa will be the meeting place for people from all countries in the industry. The 360 degree view we provide for the industry is only available at drupa.”
He emphasises how drupa has worked to identify trends and changes in the global market. He says, “Keeping an eye on market dynamics is critical. Which solutions could improve your business? How can you learn about these? We know that drupa will help provide the answers to these questions.”
He says the change in cycle from four years to three years came in response to a number of factors. He says, “One important factor is that the innovation cycle no longer four years; change happens much quicker. Also, to stay number one on the world, we had to change.”
A question from the floor asked Dornscheidt if he could see a mini drupa in New Zealand. He says, “I don’t think we could do it here because the exhibitors have enough problems filling the trade fair calendar in the world. For example, some packaging companies have to fill 60 exhibitions in the world. The booths have to be paid for and I think the exhibitions would be too small. Then the reputation of the trade fair organiser would suffer.
But right now, we have the biggest show. We would like to see all your faces in Dusseldorf at drupa. You will be made most welcome.”
