The exhibitor list for the first virtual drupa event is starting to take shape, with a number of suppliers from across the digital package printing supply chain signed up to participate.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe recently confirmed its participation in virtual.drupa, which runs 20-23 April, 2021 as an online event. According to the current exhibitor list, available here, it is to be joined by the likes of Atlantic Zeiser, Bobst, BST, Erhardt+Leimer, EyeC, GEW, Global Graphics Software, GMG, Hybrid Software, Isra Vision, Jurmet, Kama, Kao, KNF Neuberger, Kodak, Koenig & Bauer, Kyocera, Kurz, Omet, Seiko, Stora Enso, Valloy, and Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H). Messe Düsseldorf has said that since registration for exhibitors opened at the end of January, ‘the current booking status is very positive’, with around 100 exhibitors [107 as of 26 February, 2021] from 23 countries, as well as 5000 pre-registered visitors from all around the world.
Koenig & Bauer and W&H’s participation will comes as no surprise given they have voiced their support for drupa even as other major press manufacturers moved away from the event during the first wave of Covid-19.
Last week, Kurz signed on as exclusive Platinum Event Partner for the virtual event, with company CEO Walter Kurz noting that as drupa has been the flagship trade show for the graphic arts industry since 1954, ‘With our participation in the virtual.drupa 2021, we are profiting from its charisma.
‘We are pleased to use this platform to bridge the too-long gap between the last real drupa and the next one. Kurz has big news to report that is relevant to the industry right now. At the same time, the international nature of drupa allows us to present our innovations to companies on all continents worldwide.’
Specifically, Kurz plans to showcase ‘real, implementable solutions’ for the circular economy and PET recycling, as well as developments in digital embellishment. UK-based Amberley Labels has recently installed a DM-Jetliner unit to capitalise on such capability.
Joerg Hartmann, president and managing director at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Germany and Austria, affirmed, ‘In times when face-to-face events – which we all miss – are not possible, we are very pleased that a virtual platform has been created. These formats offer manufacturers, suppliers, producers and interested parties the opportunity to exchange ideas and shape the future of print together.’
Hermann Veismann, head of the printing division at W&H, said, ‘drupa was, and remains, the industry’s international meeting point. It brings people, exhibitors and innovations from all over the world together – even digitally. W&H will be presenting innovations focused around efficient production, sustainable products and Packaging 4.0 at virtual.drupa. In addition to W&H CI flexo and gravure printing presses, visitors will be able to learn more about the latest automation and assistance systems. We are looking forward to having a lively exchange.’
François Martin, head of marketing and communication at Bobst Group, concluded, ‘Bobst intends to share its vision for the packaging world and to present solutions across the industries we serve. We believe that the future of packaging production will be based on four key pillars: connectivity, digitalisation, automation and sustainability.
‘During the conferences we will hold, and by visiting our virtual booth, visitors will be able to understand where we want to go with them. virtual.drupa provides an opportunity for all traditional exhibitors to share their vision for the industry and to outline major innovations that support printers and converters to meet the needs and demands of their customers in a targeted manner.’
virtual.drupa runs 20-23 April, 2021.
Keep up-to-date with industry event details here
