Leonhard Kurz will attend the rearranged drupa in April 2021.
The latest instalment of drupa was due to take place in June this year but was delayed owing to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, which has impacted almost all physical events planned for this year. South Korea’s K-Print has become the latest casualty, despite the organisers fairly recently claiming it would be the ‘the world’s first printing and packaging exhibition to be held post-COVID-19’ when it opened on 2 September. The event will now take place in mid-November this year.
While many events have been rescheduled for 2021 and 2022, suppliers and manufacturers involved in print have embraced digital and virtual tools to present their latest innovations and communicate with customers, both new and old. A consequence of this has been a number of large exhibitors, such as Bobst, Heidelberg, Komori and Siegwerk, withdrawing from the rearranged drupa. In turn, this has seen drupa reduced from an 11-day duration to nine days, ‘in order to direct visitor flows more efficiently.’ A hygiene and infection protection concept at Düsseldorf Messe has been implemented to enable relevant industry events and gatherings to be held while ensuring the greatest protection possible for exhibitors, visitors, partners and members of staff.
Further, Windmöller & Hölscher, Koenig & Bauer, Kama and Eagle Systems have already confirmed they will attend drupa 2021.
In confirming its plans to attend drupa 2021, Walter Kurz, chairman of Kurz’s board, noted, ‘The company has been consistently represented at drupa since 1954, and this will not change in the coming year. Being the world’s leading trade fair for the printing sector, drupa is an important platform for Kurz to exhibit its latest finishing solutions.
‘After seeing the detailed hygiene and infection protection concept presented by the trade fair organiser, Kurz is convinced that drupa can take place under safe conditions for visitors and exhibitors alike. The planned measures include physical distancing by issuing limited tickets, controlling the flow of people, a ventilation system that will ensure fresh air of the same quality as the outside air, and special requirements on the design of booths.’
He continued, ‘Kurz plans to provide current news online and to present upgrades and the latest innovations at drupa 2021. Further developments in the areas of hot stamping, cold and digital transfer, the latest finishing machines, and sustainable decoration solutions will be demonstrated at the trade fair. The company anticipates that drupa 2021 may not be as internationally attended as in the past. Nevertheless, it regards its participation at drupa as very important.
‘Discussions with our customers have indicated that they do not want to miss out on this unique industry gathering and the inspiration that drupa provides. Now, especially, the printing industry is looking for new ideas and ways to expand the order books. We have creative solutions to present and look forward to engaging with our customers and partners.’
drupa is scheduled for 20-28 April in Düsseldorf, Germany.
See the Digital Labels & Packaging Events diary for the latest dates for your diary in this fast-moving and evolving environment
