Drupa has launched its digital platform drupa preview on October 27 and apparently- or at least according to drupa organizers-it was successful. The press release says:” Over 1,900 visitors took part in panel discussions and live web sessions, receiving information on current issues via video keynote speeches and virtually connected with exhibitors and industry players. The proportion of international visitors was at 70% (top five countries: Japan, India, UK, the Netherlands and Germany). More than 14,000 pageviews also highlight the print community’s high level of interest in the content on offer. Around 1,400 exhibitors from 50 countries presented their products, solutions and applications. The three areas “‘Exhibition Space”, “Conference Area” and “Networking Plaza” reflect drupa’s cornerstones digitally, bridging the communication needs between now and the next live event (April 20 – 28, 2021 in Düsseldorf, Germany).”
So 14000 pageviews is considered a success. It might be. It depends on how you look at it. Messe Düsseldorf is facing a time of reckoning, an existential threat, a to be or not to be moment. Personally I believe they are handling the terrible situation we are experiencing quite well. With all the major manufacturers and suppliers withdrawing from drupa 2021, the very existence of this mega exhibition is hang in the balance. So far Messe Düsseldorf is fighting back and it is trying to keep the show alive, albeit on life support.
Personally I have a mix feeling about this virtual drupa (please refer to my articles “In defense of drupa”, and “Ah all those webinars!”). But it might help exhibition to keep itself relevant until the real show kicks off in 2021.
“The drupa preview also has a special significance for Messe Düsseldorf: it 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”, explained Erhard Wienkamp, Managing Director Operative Trade Fair Business at Messe Düsseldorf.
Sabine Geldermann, Project Director Print Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf, added: “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.”
In a video posted on YouTube, Messe Düsseldorf praises printing industry and tells the world how indispensable printing industry is to the world. Couldn’t agree more.
So let’s stay positive and welcome this initiative from Messe Düsseldorf. I have a feeling once the situation is back to normal and once again we can shake hands and talk to each other face to face all these webinars and virtual happening will become a sort of distant memory or a little nightmare.
