Successful launch of ‘drupa preview’ reinforces a new digital network
The digital platform ‘drupa preview’ was opened on October 27, 2020, with the successive session on November 17, 2020. Visitors took part in panel discussions and live web sessions as spectators, received valuable input on current issues via video keynote speeches and virtually connected with exhibitors and industry players.
The global pandemic has been a major challenge for the printing industry for months. This makes ‘drupa preview’ a key tool, offering a platform in these difficult times for companies to showcase their innovative products and reach their target audiences. For exhibitors and visitors alike, this clearly marks a new beginning.
The three areas, viz. Exhibition Space, Conference Area and Networking Plaza at the ‘drupa preview’ reflected the drupa’s cornerstones digitally, bridging communication needs between now and the next live event, which is scheduled to be organised from April 20 to 28, 2021 at Messe Düsseldorf, Germany.
“The drupa preview also has a special significance for Messe Düsseldorf. It shows that even in times of crisis we can offer solutions to keep the industries interacting and networking. We are working intensively on strengthening global communication not only through our local events, but also by expanding new, virtual formats,” explained Erhard Wienkamp, COO, Messe Düsseldorf.
Sabine Geldermann, Director of drupa and Global Head of Print Technologies said the response from exhibitors and visitors after the first preview was very positive. She added, “drupa preview offers a valuable basis for regular customer contacts, enabling ongoing interaction within our community during this pandemic. Its digital format helps enhance our customers’ communications, focusing on the industry’s future topics. From now on, it is our goal to create a hybrid concept, perfectly combining the best of both worlds in order to ensure the 2021 April event can take place under optimal conditions.”
Dr Markus Heering, Managing Director of German Printing and Paper Technology Association (VDMA), said, “We need the virtual part. It’s an investment in the future of #drupa! We can’t turn back to a normal physical fair. In the future, we’ll have a mixture, a combination of physical & virtual, and this is an add-on for exhibitors and visitors alike.”
In his video message, Andreas Pinkwart, State Minister for Economic Affairs, Digitisation, Innovation and Energy in Government of Minister-President Armin Laschet, described the virtual ‘drupa preview’ as an important step to get back to normal business and wished the global print community every success in doing so!
Around 1,900 experts took advantage of the ‘drupa preview. The proportion of international visitors was at 70 percent (top five countries were Japan, India, UK, Netherlands and Germany). More than 14.000 page-views also highlighted the print community’s high level of interest in the content on offer. Around 1.400 exhibitors from 50 countries presented their products, solutions and applications within the Exhibition Space.
All speeches and videos are available on demand at preview.drupa.com, providing an opportunity for everyone to benefit from the content presented, even after preview day. The next drupa preview day with further live web sessions will take place on December 8, 2020.