virtual.drupa conference focus on new era

The Conference Area of next month’s virtual.drupa will feature an English-language programme focusing on the global trends of artificial intelligence (AI), circular economy, connected consumer, and platform economy.

International industry experts, brand owners and speakers from vertical markets will provide knowledge transfer through best cases, keynote speeches and panel discussions.

Two parallel live streams will offer visitors the opportunity to participate flexibly in the conference presentations between 10 am and 6 pm CET. For participants around the world, these will also be available 24/7 on demand in a video library.

The conference program will kick off 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 AI. As author of the book, The Digital Helix, he will 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 the UK will illustrate the great 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 energising business and corporate goals, and will inspire the print and packaging community with his creative approaches at virtual.drupa.

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, circular economy and climate change. As a strategist, she advises companies on topics such as future investments and process optimisation, 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 programme 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.

The organiser says an international network of industry representatives, associations and competent partners “guarantees a cutting-edge agenda”. 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 insights.

Visitors can already organise their participation in virtual.drupa by getting an initial overview of the conference programme, as well as the exhibitors' product offerings 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 shortly, click here.

Participants can register for virtual.drupa free of charge by clicking here. 

The original face-to-face drupa was initially pushed back from last June to this April, then canned altogether as Covid continues to rage through Europe. The next drupa will be in 2024.