Under the motto of 'touch the future’, Drupa 2016 will focus more heavily on future-oriented technologies such as printed electronics, 3D printing and inkjet printing for industrial applications.
"In the online age there has been much discussion in our sector about the usefulness of trade shows,” said Claus Bolza-Schünemann, chairman of the Drupa exhibitor advisory board, and executive president of Koenig & Bauer.
“However, the internet simply cannot replace direct contact with people and ideas in the global print and media marketplace, or indeed direct experience of the latest technologies and solutions for this enormously varied market. At Drupa 2016 we are again expecting lively interaction for both tried and trusted and the very latest ideas in all areas of print and crossmedia. The slogan ‘touch the future’ clearly highlights the focus on innovation and new concepts. New topics such as functional printing, printed electronics or 3D printing will be reflecting the capacity for change and the need for innovative printed matter in our industry far beyond the confines of the trade show halls."
Various vendors have expressed their support of the new format, including Mimaki. "Drupa 2016 will be the number one show to spot trends in print and crossmedia solutions, so that is where Mimaki will be", said Mike Horsten, general manager marketing, Mimaki Europe."
Drupa is pulling out all the stops in relation to its highlighted topic of multichannel printing. Hewlett-Packard, an active member of the Drupa committee since 2013, confirmed support of the new direction: "Communication between people is evolving just as quickly as technology,” said Francois Martin, worldwide marketing director at HP Graphics Solutions Business. “The new crossmedia strategy at Drupa, with the integration of digital and analogue printing as well as print and online, will show that the printed product continues to play a key role in communications. Change in an industry requires courage and firm decisions. The realignment does exactly that and I hope that everyone realises that a new journey is beginning. The new Drupa stands for effective and sustainable communication in a social, mobile and Cloud-based world."
Guy Gecht, CEO EFI, added: "In a world where the ‘future’ quickly becomes ‘now’, Drupa 2016's realigned aim to ‘touch the future’ perfectly describes what visitors would like to see.” 19 trade fair halls will be structured according to individual industry areas and topics. The specialised programme – such as the Drupa innovation park, the Drupa cube or the ‘touch points’ theme parks – will be designed accordingly. An initial exhibitor list will also published online in September 2015.