drupa preview, the global print exhibition’s new virtual presence, kicked off yesterday (27 October, 2020) with nearly 2000 participants in panel discussions and live web sessions as part of the launch programme.
drupa preview was introduced by Messe Düsseldorf in response to demand for virtual exchange and networking as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has brought print industry exhibitions to a standstill as health and safety concerns have prevailed. This has seen a number of virtual and online tools become the de facto means to reach customers, introduce new technologies and discuss market trends. This has also coincided with a number of exhibitors pulling out of the rearranged drupa in 2021.
On the opening day of drupa preview, more than 1900 people took part, with the proportion of international ‘attendees’ at 70%. The top five countries participants came from were Japan, India, the UK, the Netherlands and Germany. More than 14,000 pageviews were recorded, with 1400 exhibitors from 50 countries presenting their products, services and applications within the “Exhibition Space’ portion of the drupa preview platform.
Following the first day of drupa preview, concerns have been raised online about the platform and a potentially convoluted registration process to access the sessions, but despite these drupa director Sabine Geldermann said, ‘The response from exhibitors and visitors following the first preview was very positive. 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 customer 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 April event can take place under optimal conditions.’
During a Q&A session as part of the drupa preview opening panel discussion, Ms Geldermann alluded to Messe Düsseldorf finding ways to engage and work with those that have withdrawn from the physical show in April next year as part of the hybrid event concept. Further updates on this are expected in the coming weeks.
Erhard Wienkamp, Messe Düsseldorf COO, added, ‘drupa preview 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.’
Whilst drupa preview is accessible around the clock, the next drupa preview day with further live web sessions will take place on 17 November.
Read more about the future landscape for print industry exhibitions and events in the November/December issue of Digital Labels & Packaging, including the thoughts of Ms Geldermann; register here to receive the magazine, for free
