Drupa pivots to future technologies

Drupa is dramatically repositioning its 2016 trade show, turning its focus away from traditional heavy metal to new technologies in a bid to stay relevant in the changing print landscape.

Traditionally a showcase of printing equipment from the world’s biggest manufacturers, the world’s biggest print trade show will now devote entire sections of its program to emerging technologies and markets and adopt the slogan ‘touch the future’.

After what could be the last Ipex struggled when major players led by Heidelberg pulled out, Drupa is seeking to insulate itself from downturn in the traditional part of the industry – particularly as Heidelberg’s involvement in 2016 is still up in the air.

“The printing industry is undergoing radical structural changes and far-reaching consolidation processes,” the organisation says. “At the same time, new technologies such as functional printing, printed electronics and 3D printing, which have significantly increased their market share, provide major opportunities and potential for growth.

“The same applies to applications and solutions in the area of digital printing, package and label printing as well as to the industrial production segment.”

Companies supplying products in these areas are now able to register for Drupa 2016. The German show is the world’s biggest trade fair, last time out it attracted some 350,000 visitors, which although a huge number is 20 per cent down on the peak achieved pre-GFC.

Drupa is also emphasising the role of growing print markets, such as package printing, digital label printing, multichannel publishing and green printing, and the increasing diversification of printers into related business services and ‘crossmedia solutions’.

“Drupa has defined salient issues with acute market relevance and significant potential which are already playing an important role in the market or will do so in the future,” it says.

“The implementation of strategic activities such as separate events, event formats and systematically addressing the industry’s target groups will define the drupa’s strategic re-alignment in these areas.

“All technical processes related to the areas of printing and crossmedia, the entire range of applications and business areas will be in the spotlight, including solution-oriented technologies and applications as well as innovative business ideas or best-practice examples.”

http://www.proprint.com.au/News/388785,drupa-pivots-to-future-technologies.aspx