Printing solutions that are increasingly conceived as integrated systems, including sophisticated packaging applications, will take centre stage at drupa 2028, which takes place in Düsseldorf from 9-17 May 2028.
Providing an initial glimpse of its conceptual and content-related repositioning, the central element of drupa’s new brand identity is a symbolic key visual of the octopus – representing networking, intelligence, agility and resilience, as well as the simultaneous mastery of complex processes.
According to drupa organisers, it refers to a technological reality in which printing solutions are increasingly conceived as integrated systems, including sophisticated applications in the packaging environment. Processes are interlinked, workflows are networked, and efficiency is created through the interaction of hardware, software, materials, and automated applications.
“drupa 2028 will be one like never before,” said Dr Andreas Plesske, chairman of the drupa committee.
“We are setting new standards in how technological developments, applications, and markets are classified and brought together – a claim that is also consistently reflected in the new brand identity.”
The slogan “drupa. dive into the unseen” picks up on this approach and draws attention to developments whose significance often only becomes apparent in the overall context – such as through the interaction of technologies, processes and applications along the value chain.
“The slogan sums up what drupa stands for – vision, knowledge transfer, and orientation in an increasingly complex technological landscape,” added Sabine Geldermann, director drupa, Portfolio Print Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf.
“It underscores drupa's claim and attitude of not presenting future topics and technological progress in isolation, but rather classifying them in a comprehensible way in the context of the market, application and value creation.”
Against this backdrop, drupa 2028 is introducing a new experience architecture for the first time.
Content, applications, and formats for exchange, collaboration, and networking will be bundled along clearly defined thematic clusters, which will make technological developments comprehensible and structured.
This architecture will serve as a common framework for exhibitors and visitors.