Drupa, the world’s largest tradeshow for the printing and graphic communications industry scheduled for June 16 – 26, 2020 in Düsseldorf, Germany, will be postponed to April 20 – 30, 2021 due to the health risks posed by the worldwide spread of the coronavirus. In making this decision, show organizer Messe Düsseldorf is following the recommendation of the crisis management team of the German Federal Government that takes into account the principles of the Robert Koch Institute when assessing the risks of large gatherings of people at major events. Based on this recommendation and the recent significant increase in the number of people infected with the new coronavirus, including in Europe, Messe Düsseldorf has reassessed the situation and decided to cancel. In addition, there was a general ruling issued by the city of Düsseldorf on March 11, 2020, in which major events with more than 1,000 participants present at the same time are generally prohibited.
“The decision was taken in close consultation with our advisory boards and sponsoring associations,” said Werner M. Dornscheidt, Chairman of the Board of Management of Messe Düsseldorf. This also reflects the wishes of individual industries. As their partner, we are currently doing everything in our power to reduce the economic losses suffered by our exhibitors.” Delaying the spread of the virus as far as possible is also a declared goal, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Measures to reduce the risk of transmission at major events, which the Robert Koch Institute has clearly defined – such as ventilation of the venue appropriate to the risk of infection, the exclusion of persons from risk groups, and the comprehensive installation of entrance screening – were practically impossible to implement, said tradeshow officials. Also, comparable measures were and are unreasonable in view of the unforeseeable rapid development and the size of the various events, with up to 60,000 participants.
“A postponement of drupa was unavoidable after the latest developments. The decision is therefore right and responsible,” said drupa President Claus Bolza-Schünemann. “Many exhibitors start their logistical preparations middle of March. So today’s announcement of the postponement enables all those affected to react now, reschedule and prepare for the event date in April of 2021. The excitement for ‘embrace the future‘ remains undiminished – also in 2021.”
Drupa postponed until April of next year
