Postponement of the world’s leading trade fair for printing technologies, drupa, to April 20-30, 2021, finds Sabine Geldermann, director drupa and global head print technologies of Messe Düsseldorf, answering questions that concern the print industry.
FLEXO Magazine: How did you determine the new date?
SABINE GELDERMANN: Having weighed all the parameters, in view of the international trade fair calendar, April 20-30, 2021 is the earliest and best possible date because it allows the greatest possible planning security for all parties involved. We are now on a similar timeframe to the traditional, widely established and industry accepted May date for drupa.
FLEXO: What changes will the postponement mean for drupa 2021?
GELDERMANN: The postponement represents a new, unprecedented scenario for all concerned and requires a certain degree of flexibility… It is our ambition and desire to organize another unique and successful drupa for our global customers.
Exhibitors will certainly present some of their innovations this year, using different formats, such as customer events or digital platforms; however, these can only bridge the current demand. In our opinion, they do not offer a complete replacement for a trade fair with worldwide appeal.
drupa will remain the top platform for the printing industry to present innovations, come together and, above all, network. That is why drupa will remain the target the print industry is working toward.
Expect a supporting program with a fascinating range of formats, renowned speakers and exciting topics. Our top priority is to offer our visitors highly relevant, inspiring and valuable content. Our aim is now, of course, to adapt and transfer the program as far as possible to the April date.
Significant issues concerning the ongoing digital transformation, topics related to the circular economy and sustainability of new business models, which will be presented as keynotes, panel discussions and best cases, will continue to inspire and successfully advise companies. This will be more relevant than ever after the impact of the coronavirus.
FLEXO: How do you believe print businesses can weather the storm caused by the pandemic?
GELDERMANN: There is no doubt that there will be declines and lasting economic setbacks. Our industry must continue to invest in the future in order to seize market opportunities, because print, with its so many different and extensive applications and forms of use, will continue to be indispensable in the future.
Exchange of ideas between industry players and the necessary inspiration are key means to this end, and are lived out and introduced in a future-oriented manner at drupa.
FLEXO: How has the global printing community responded to your announcement?
GELDERMANN: Reaction of our international customers and partners to the postponement was consistently positive and met with great understanding and acceptance. Three months before the regularly scheduled start of drupa, we were able to give many exhibitors the opportunity to reschedule their upcoming logistical and very cost-intensive measures, such as the shipment of machines.
We were very pleased with emotional feedback on our social networks and platforms. One thing is certain: the industry wants to have a drupa again—one that retains its image, its radiance and its global standing. drupa represents an indispensable platform for industry participants, providing orientation, impetus and, above all, satisfying the demand for face-to-face meetings and worlds of experience.
It is all about human needs, haptic experiences and running machines that fascinate participants and which definitely cannot be fulfilled at this point by digital media.
What distinguishes leading world trade fairs such as drupa is the concentrated energy that arises from the selective gathering of many people; the personal and emotional exchange; the joint presence of decision-makers, multipliers and idea providers; lively discussions; presentations that set the pace; chance encounters; opportunities to acquire new customers; recruiting options and more.
We are people, not avatars, and the desire for personal exchange, knowledge transfer and networking in a fascinating ambience is unbroken despite all digital formats. That’s why it’s great to see that numerous key accounts are already shaping the motto “Let’s embrace the future in 2021 together.”