Veröffentlicht am: 21.10.2026 um 11:18 Uhr:
ca. 5 Minute(n) Lesezeit
drupa: drupa 2028 Off to a Strong Start as Exhibitors from 38 Countries Commit Early
» The countdown to drupa 2028 has begun, and the world's leading trade fair for printing solutions is already making a powerful statement on the international stage. With exhibitors from 38 countries having registered well over a year before the event opens its doors, the print and packaging industry has sent a clear signal about the continuing importance of the global marketplace that drupa represents.
From 9 to 17 May 2028, Düsseldorf will once again become the focal point of technological innovation, business development and industry networking. Guided by the new brand slogan, “dive into the unseen,” drupa 2028 aims to explore the next frontier of printing and packaging technology. The event's new visual identity, centred around an octopus, symbolises curiosity, adaptability and the exploration of new technological and creative dimensions.
The exhibitor list already resembles a who's who of the global print and packaging sector. Industry leaders such as HEIDELBERG, Fujifilm, Konica Minolta, KYOCERA Document Solutions, Windmöller & Hölscher, Horizon, Comexi, Esko and LEONHARD KURZ have confirmed their participation. They will be joined by numerous specialised technology providers and innovative newcomers from across the entire value chain.
Visitors can expect far more than traditional product presentations. The event will showcase fully integrated production environments where automated workflows, connected systems and advanced technologies can be experienced in real-world production scenarios. This practical approach is designed to demonstrate how digital transformation is reshaping manufacturing processes and business models throughout the industry.
The international character of drupa is already clearly reflected in the current registrations. In addition to strong participation from Germany, companies from major print and packaging markets including China, Italy, India, Spain and Japan have secured their place at the exhibition. The broad geographical representation highlights drupa's role as a global platform for innovation, partnership and business exchange.
According to Sabine Geldermann, Director drupa and Portfolio Print Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf, the high level of international participation is a strong indicator of market confidence. She emphasises that the exhibitors registered so far represent the full spectrum of the industry, ranging from established technology leaders and highly specialised solution providers to companies operating in emerging technology fields. This diversity, she notes, is one of the key strengths that has made drupa the industry's most influential global event.
The rapid pace of technological development is also driving interest in the exhibition. Dr Andreas Pleßke, Chairman of the drupa Committee, points out that automation, artificial intelligence and connected production processes are fundamentally transforming value chains and creating new business opportunities. In such a dynamic environment, he argues, there is an increasing need for an international platform where innovation can be experienced through the interaction of technology, applications and markets rather than in isolation.
As a result, drupa 2028 will place a stronger focus on end-to-end solutions and integrated production ecosystems. Key themes will include automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, advanced materials and the circular economy. At the heart of the event is the convergence of hardware, software, data management and automated processes into seamless, interconnected production systems.
At the same time, the exhibition is broadening its appeal beyond traditional industry audiences. Brand owners, designers and creative professionals will play a more prominent role alongside technology providers, converters and print service providers. This strategy is reflected in a new experience architecture built around four thematic clusters: grow, create, learn and play. Together, these areas will combine business solutions, creativity, knowledge sharing and community engagement under one roof.
The supporting programme is also evolving rapidly. Interactive formats, expert stages and collaborative knowledge-sharing platforms will connect technologies with the people behind them. Particular emphasis will be placed on fostering the next generation of industry talent, with start-ups, young professionals and emerging technology companies gaining greater visibility and direct access to international decision-makers.
Industry representatives have welcomed the direction of drupa 2028. Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the VDMA Printing and Paper Technology Association, describes drupa as the global business summit of the printing and packaging industry and the premier showcase for innovation in machinery and plant engineering. Markus Hoffmann, Member of the Board at LEONHARD KURZ and Chairman of the VDMA Printing and Paper Technology Association, likewise regards drupa as the industry's leading event and expects the new concept to encourage greater collaboration, fresh ideas and a more immersive visitor experience.
Companies interested in exhibiting still have time to secure their place. Registration for drupa 2028 remains open until 31 October 2026. Judging by the strong international response already received, the exhibition is well on its way to becoming one of the most influential gatherings in the history of the print and packaging industry, providing a global stage for innovation, networking and future business opportunities.
Registration for drupa 2028 remains open until 31 October 2026 at www.drupa.com. Exhibitors who took part in drupa 2024 can use their existing login credentials, while first-time exhibitors will be guided through the online process step by step. «
Source: Press release from Messe Düsseldorf dated 20 October 2026 / edited using Copilot (AI)