Drupa 2024, the world’s premier trade fair for printing technologies, concluded on June 7th after an eleven-day run, reporting 170,000 visitors. The event received top marks from global visitors who left with new ideas and clear prospects for the future. Numerous contracts were signed, and technological innovations inspired the print and packaging industry.
Though visitor numbers were significantly lower than the 2016 event (260,000) it was still regarded as a success, considering significant industry consolidation across both production technology and increased online purchasing research.
The event, held in Düsseldorf, demonstrated the remarkable progress of the entire sector and showcased the operational excellence within the industry. A total of 1,643 exhibitors from 52 countries presented a dazzling array of innovations in the Düsseldorf exhibition halls, captivating trade visitors with unforgettable performances. Notably, 80% of the attendees were international, hailing from 174 countries—a record figure for the event. After Europe, Asia was the most strongly represented region with 22% of visitors, followed by America with 12%.
Asia, along with Latin America and the MENA region, emerged as markets with significant growth potential, reflected in the substantial increase in the presence and order books of exhibitors. This year’s Drupa highlighted the growing influence and demand from these regions, underscoring the global reach and impact of the trade fair.
Erhard Wienkamp, Managing Director at Messe Düsseldorf, is highly satisfied with the course of the trade fair: “Drupa has underpinned its position as the industry’s leading trade fair and its unique appeal in a remarkable way. The impressive international flair and, above all, the high decision-making competence of the visitors ensured in-depth and well-founded technical discussions at the trade fair stands on the one hand and many direct investment decisions on the other. Our exhibitors told us about large-volume purchase agreements.”
Dr Andreas Pleßke, Chairman of the Drupa Committee, emphasised the exceptional position and relevance of drupa: “Drupa stands for new approaches and new technologies like no other trade fair. It is not only the largest, but also the most important global platform for our industry, because the entire printing and post-press industry meets at the world-leading trade fair. It has been invaluable for generating leads. Nowhere else offers the opportunity to make so many new international contacts from all over the world in such a short space of time in one
Drupa 2024 successfully demonstrated the industry’s advancements and set a new benchmark for future events, reinforcing its status as the leading platform for showcasing cutting-edge printing technologies.
