Drupa 2024: 1,643 exhibitors from 52 nations; 170,000 trade visitors

This year at the show, 1,643 exhibitors from 52 nations presented their products, while a total, 170,000 trade visitors attended the event. PrintWeek published more than 150 Drupa Diaries stories for the 2024 edition.

The international share of the visitors was 80%, with attendees coming from 174 countries, a record figure. After Europe, Asia was the most strongly represented region with 22%, followed by America with 12%.  Asia, as well as Latin America and the MENA region are markets with great growth potential, which was reflected in the significant increase in exhibitors’ presence and order books.

There were 80 Indian exhibitors at the show; and most of them seem to have inked partnerships in other territories over and above a solid order book.

Around 96% of all visitors confirmed that they had fully achieved the objectives associated with their visit. At over 50%, most of them came from the printing industry, followed by the packaging industry, whose share has increased significantly and which was the focus of many exhibitors as a growth driver.

Faheem Agboatwala, managing director of Hi-Tech Printing Services, Mumbai and chairman of Print Summit said, “I couldn’t help but notice the absence of representation from India and China, with only a few attendees from these regions. The lack of presence from innovative small businesses, particularly those offering unique products and software, was more striking.”

Agboatwala said, “High costs may have deterred many from participating, as I heard numerous complaints about the expenses involved in attending the event. If the Drupa authorities fail to adapt and expand its presence in other parts of the world, I fear it may face a decline similar to that of Ipex.”

The next Drupa will be held in 2028.