After 11 days of implementation, Drupa 2024 has ended with attendance confirmed to have reached 170,000 visitors with 1,643 exhibitors from 52 countries. That’s almost 35% – or more than 90,000 visitors – down from Drupa2016’s figure of 260,165. This is below the organizers’ expectations during pre-drupa, which targeted reaching 200 thousand visitors.
The decline in visitor numbers reflects an industry that is changing and consolidating, and the fact that the cost of attending is much more expensive than before.
But drupa organizer Messe Düsseldorf confidently said the trade show “exceeded all expectations”. “drupa 2024 in Düsseldorf, the No. 1 printing technology trade fair 1 in the world, ended successfully on June 7 after eleven days,” said Messe Dusseldorf.
“Drupa 2024 impressively showcases the progress of the entire sector and provides proof of the industry’s operational excellence. 1,643 exhibitors from 52 countries showcased extraordinary works of innovation in the Düsseldorf exhibition hall and thrilled trade visitors with an unforgettable show.
“The share of international visitors reached 80%, coming from 174 countries – a record figure. After Europe, Asia is the most represented region with 22%, followed by the Americas with 12%. Asia as well as Latin America and the MENA region are markets with great growth potential, reflected in significant increases in exhibitor attendance and bookings.However, many exhibitors were very positive about the quality of attendees and the amount of business done at the show.
“Many key players, such as Bobst, Canon, Fujifilm, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, HP, Horizon, Koenig & Bauer, Komori Konica Minolta, Kurz and Landa, report having signed contracts that far exceed expectations. In some cases, the set sales targets are achieved within the first few days of the trade fair.
Erhard Wienkamp, ​​Managing Director at Messe Düsseldorf, is very satisfied with the progress of the trade fair, “drupa has strengthened its position as a leading trade fair in the industry and its unique appeal in an extraordinary way. The impressive international talent and, most importantly, the high decision-making competence of the visitors ensured deep and reasoned technical discussions at the trade fair on the one hand and many direct investment decisions on the other. Our exhibitors told us about large purchase agreements.”
Dr Andreas Pleßke, Chairman of the drupa Committee, emphasized the extraordinary position and relevance of drupa: “drupa represents a new approach and new technology like no other trade fair. It is not only the largest global platform, but also the most important for our industry, as the entire printing and post-press industry converges at the world’s leading trade show. This is invaluable for generating leads. No other place offers the opportunity to make so many new international contacts from all over the world in such a short time in one place.”
Exhibitors praised the high level of decision-making competence of visitors. They, in turn, place the highest value on the range of products and services offered across 18 exhibition halls. Approximately 96% of all visitors confirmed that they had fully achieved the objectives associated with their visit. More than 50%, the majority comes from the printing industry, followed by the packaging industry, whose share has increased significantly and is the focus of many exhibitors as a driver of growth. Many well-known brand owners are welcomed to their trade show booths.

Digitalization as a determining factor
Automation took center stage at drupa this year, with a strong focus on AI and intelligent workflows, including software solutions. It has become clear that digital and analog technologies ideally complement and benefit each other. Traditional industry leaders deliver a wide range of digital solutions, while digital pioneers integrate conventional components into their offerings. Robotics plays an important role in the exhibition space and illustrates the path to smart factories.

Transformation and growth
drupa makes it clear that the industry has great potential in the future, despite many challenges, and the prospects are promising. In the last financial year, the global printing industry reached a turnover of around EUR 840 billion (source: Smithers) and continues to grow at varying rates around the world.
“At drupa 2024, we experienced firsthand how relevant and resilient this industry is,” summarized Sabine Geldermann, drupa Director, Portfolio Print Technologies. “The community is determined to jointly determine the direction of the future. Exchanging ideas with people from across continents and across industries is incredibly enriching and inspiring. We were able to welcome around 50 large delegations from various countries, and many globally active associations and organizations chose drupa as the ideal venue for their conferences and board meetings.
Together we are stronger. The many new strategic alliances concluded at the trade fair reflect opportunities that are only possible in a concentrated form at drupa: meeting directly with market players from other countries around the world, using core competencies as a synergy effect, forming networks and driving the market forward together

Sustainable technology is in focus
Technology is key to achieving sustainability goals – exhibitors at drupa illustrate this with a range of practice-oriented developments and real solutions. Top priority is given to resource efficiency and the path to a functioning circular economy. In addition, Touchpoint Sustainability from VDMA, the German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association, showcased the latest innovations, presented best practice use cases, and provided a bird’s eye view into the future of the sustainable printing industry.

Transfer valuable knowledge
The extensive support program with five high caliber dedicated forums drupa cube, drupa next age (dna) and Packaging, Textiles and Sustainability Touchpoints was very well received. Amid constant change and resulting new business models, they ensure intensive knowledge transfer and provide essential guidance. Together with its partners, drupa focuses on the impressive industry expertise and future topics of its target group. Guided tours on key topics complete the trade show experience.
The next Drupa will be held in 2028 with a date yet to be confirmed.@

Source Photo : messe dusseldorf