From April 20 – 23, 2021, the Conference Area of virtual.drupa will feature a comprehensive English-language program spanning 45 hours and focusing on the global trends of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Circular Economy, the Connected Consumer and Platform Economy. International industry experts, brand owners and speakers from vertical markets will convey valuable knowledge through case studies, keynote speeches and panel discussions. Two parallel live streams will offer visitors the opportunity to participate in the conference presentations between 10 am and 6 pm Central European Time (4 am to noon, Eastern Standard Time). For participants around the world, including in Canada, these sessions will also be available 24/7 on-demand in a video library.
The conference program will start with keynotes from three top international speakers on each of the four days: Two presentations by Wall Street Journal bestselling author and consultant Michael Gale will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). As author of the book The Digital Helix, he’ll share where companies can use digital potential, how to make it accessible to everyone, and how to activate business growth with the help of AI.
In his keynote speech, James Sommerville from Great Britain will illustrate the importance of product design in driving innovation and fostering growth. The star designer played a key role in shaping the iconic Coca-Cola brand, is revolutionizing business and corporate goals, and will inspire the printing and packaging community with his creative approaches at virtual.drupa, said organizers.
On World Earth Day, Dr. Gabrielle Walker will address sustainability issues. The lecturer, author and climate expert will discuss global challenges with a special focus on sustainability, energy consumption, the circular economy and climate change. As a strategist, she advises companies on topics such as future investments and process optimization – as well as on the impact that changing business models can have on a company’s corporate identity, its external impact and acceptance.
The morning keynotes will be followed in two streams by the English-language daily program of the five drupa special forums – drupa cube, touchpoint packaging, touchpoint textile, drupa next age and 3D fab+print – which will be accompanied by a professional team of moderators. “An international network of industry representatives, associations and competent partners guarantees a cutting-edge agenda,” said tradeshow organizers. “With their combined expertise and impressive variety of topics, the speakers will highlight relevant content and growth potential in the various sectors, focus on global trends, and provide exciting insights.”
Visitors can already organize their participation in virtual.drupa by getting an initial overview of the conference program, as well as the exhibitors’ products and presentations. They can add relevant conferences, exhibitors and live web sessions to their personal agenda in order to make their visit of the virtual event as efficient as possible. The Conference Area program will be published soon. Participants can register for virtual.drupa free of charge by visiting the online tradeshow’s website. Over 6,000 visitors from 130 countries have already registered!
