As anticipated, drupa officially launches its virtual trade show today (October 27, 2020). The virtual drupa is designed to be more of a ‘preview’ of the physical show, which is scheduled to be organised from April 20-28, 2021 at Dusseldorf, Germany, despite the worsening COVID-19 situation in Europe.
Dr Markus Heering, Managing Director of German Printing and Paper Technology Association (VDMA), says, “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, describes the drupa preview as an important step to get back to normal business and wishes the global print community every success in doing so!
Signifying the unique spirit spread at the drupa preview and how it can be transferred digitally, Sabine Geldermann, Director of drupa and Global Head of Print Technologies, conveys, “Yes, you might build up a bit of it on the digital channels but it’s a whole different experience.” In the context, Dr Markus emphasises the importance of accepting the present conditions and new normal for a restart.