HP and Landa have confirmed their participation at the first virtual drupa, taking place later this month.

The two Israel-based companies are the latest big names to return to drupa following the transition into a virtual event for its next installment. drupa was originally planned for 2020, before being rescheduled for April 2021, shortened in length, and then confirmed as a virtual event across 20-23 April, 2021. This year also coincides with drupa’s 70th anniversary. An in-person event will return in 2024 in line with the event’s pre-Covid schedule.

Other digital package printing names participating in virtual.drupa include: Bobst, via Mouvent; South Korea’s Dilli; inkjet digital printing experts Kodak, EFI and Fujifilm; software and workflow pioneers Global Graphics Software, GMG Color and Hybrid Software; ink specialist Kao; finishing equipment manufacturer Kama; digital press manufacturer Konica Minolta; foiling and embellishment system developer Kurz; printhead manufacturer Kyocera; electronics expert Meteor Inkjet; laser cutting and marking authority SEI Laser; Seiko Instruments, a fellow printhead manufacturer; on-demand digital printing purveyor Valloy; dry toner champion Xeikon, which also offers inkjet; and pre-press stalwart Xitron.

On his company’s participation at virtual.drupa, Heim Levit, HP Indigo general manager, said, ‘We are very pleased to continue to support our commitment to the printing industry and drupa by creating an opportunity to connect in virtual.drupa this year. Whilst we miss seeing our partners, customers and friends in the industry in a live show, the need to continue to protect our people and communities is paramount.

‘However, what the last 12 months has proved is the very positive reception of our new NPI portfolio, which continued to drive significant innovation allowing businesses of all sizes to keep growing despite challenging business environments. We encourage everyone to visit virtual drupa and connect with us.’

Sabine Geldermann, project director, print technologies at organiser Messe Dusseldorf, said, ‘Both companies will enrich virtual.drupa with their impressive spectrum of innovative digital printing technologies and broad range of applications.’

For more on virtual.drupa and other upcoming industry events, see the Digital Labels & Packaging Events diary