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    Dates

    9–17 May 2028

    City / country

    Düsseldorf, Germany

    Venue

    Düsseldorf

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for Drupa

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    Notable exhibitors

    Companies exhibiting at Drupa include 3ES Mega Elektromekanik Mak. Iml. San. Tic. Ltd. Sti, 3M INDIA LTD., 4evergreen alliance Cepi – Confederation of European Paper Industries, 4f and 4M Refai S.r.l.

    • 3ES Mega Elektromekanik Mak. Iml. San. Tic. Ltd. Sti
    • 3M INDIA LTD.
    • 4evergreen alliance Cepi – Confederation of European Paper Industries
    • 4f
    • 4M Refai S.r.l.

    Event overview

    Overview

    Drupa 2028 is the world's leading trade fair for the printing and packaging production community, taking place from May 9 to 17, 2028, in Düsseldorf.

    The event will showcase innovations and set the pace for the industry, focusing on collaboration and networking.

    With a new concept centered around experience clusters, Drupa aims to connect industry leaders, brands, and technology providers.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates: May 9-17, 2028
    2. 2Location: Düsseldorf, Germany
    3. 3Expected exhibitors: 1,614 from 49 countries
    4. 4Estimated visitors: 150,000 from 173 countries
    5. 5Focus on innovation and collaboration in the printing industry

    Why visit

    Visitors will gain insights into cutting-edge technologies, network with industry leaders, and explore new business opportunities.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors will benefit from increased visibility, access to decision-makers, and opportunities to showcase their innovations. Drupa serves as a vital platform for the printing and packaging industry, bringing together key decision-makers and innovators. The event highlights the latest trends and technologies, fostering collaboration and growth within the sector.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Print service providers
    Packaging experts
    Manufacturers
    High-calibre IT experts
    Agencies
    Engineers

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Machine and plant manufacturers
    Material experts
    Technology drivers
    Service providers
    OEMs
    Printing service providers

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Print production technologies
    Packaging production and paper converting
    Industrial print applications
    Materials for printing
    Automation and robotics solutions
    Sustainability and regulatory innovations

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Halls & areas

    1
    Halls 1-17

    Düsseldorf

    Düsseldorf, Germany

    Entrances & gates

    North A

    Halls 1-17

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Messe Düsseldorf GmbH

    What's on

    Programme

    Speakers

    VP

    Vicky Pryce

    Chief Economic Advisor

    RS

    Rory Sutherland

    Vice Chairman Ogilvy

    MM

    Mark Maslin

    Professor of Earth Systems Science @ UCL

    JL

    James Loudon

    Managing Partner @ Asia Growth Partners

    CL

    Calvin Lakhan

    Doctor @ York University, Toronto

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Current edition

    2028

    Forecast — not final

    Testimonials

    For Ricoh, drupa was an unprecedented success. We appreciated the opportunity to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to our beautiful stand.

    Eef de Ridder · Ricoh Europe PLC · 2024

    We are delighted with the response from the high-quality trade visitors and say: 'Thank you, drupa, we'll see you again in Düsseldorf in four years'.

    Christoph Gamper · Durst Group AG · 2024

    Participating in this year's drupa was extremely valuable for our company. We were not only able to generate good leads, but also successfully close deals.

    Andre Garmer · Heiber + Schröder Maschinenbau GmbH · 2024

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    Drupa 2028 is the world's leading trade fair for the printing and packaging production community, taking place from May 9 to 17, 2028, in Düsseldorf. The event will showcase innovations and set the pace for the industry, focusing on collaboration and networking. With a new concept centered around experience clusters, Drupa aims to connect industry leaders, brands, and technology providers. Drupa serves as a vital platform for the printing and packaging industry,.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors will benefit from increased visibility, access to decision-makers, and opportunities to showcase their innovations. Drupa serves as a vital platform for the printing and packaging industry, bringing together key decision-makers and innovators. The event highlights the latest trends and technologies, fostering collaboration and growth within the sector. Exhibitor categories include Machine and plant manufacturers, Material experts, Technology drivers, Service providers. Exhibitors use the event for lead.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Düsseldorf, Germany

    Why it matters

    Attending Drupa on 2028-05-09 to 2028-05-17 in Düsseldorf lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.

    Packaging trade fair circuit

    Book hotels and meetings 8–12 weeks before opening day; peer shows in the same sector often fall in adjacent months.

    Buyers covering packaging often plan Drupa alongside regional peer shows to compare products, pricing, and service coverage across markets.

    Pre-show

    Confirm exhibitor meetings and product demos for Drupa.

    Show week

    Hall walk-throughs, live demos, and supplier negotiations.

    Peer events are widely known sector fairs; verify dates on each organiser website before booking.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · EUR

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    DUS

    Düsseldorf Airport

    Primary gateway for Messe Düsseldorf and the Rhine-Ruhr.

    ~8 km

    to venue

    15–25 min

    by car

    CGN

    Cologne Bonn Airport

    Secondary hub with ICE rail links to Düsseldorf.

    ~45 km

    to venue

    45–60 min

    by car

    FRA

    Frankfurt Airport

    Major long-haul gateway with frequent ICE trains to Düsseldorf.

    ~220 km

    to venue

    1 h 35 min by ICE

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Oberbilk / Bilk

    U-Bahn to Messe Düsseldorf fairgrounds (~15 min).

    source
    Mid-range
    Messe / Stockum

    Hotels walking distance to Messe Düsseldorf exhibition halls.

    source
    Premium
    Königsallee / Altstadt

    Tram U78/U79 to Messe; premium business hotels in city centre.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi

    Estimated costEUR 25–35 (metered taxi, ~8 km to Messe Düsseldorf)
    Best forDüsseldorf Airport (DUS) to Düsseldorf

    Primary gateway for Düsseldorf and the Rhine-Ruhr region.

    taxi

    Estimated costEUR 45–65 (taxi to Düsseldorf Messe)
    Best forCologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Düsseldorf

    Cologne/Bonn Airport — ICE rail to Düsseldorf Hbf is often faster than road.

    taxi

    Estimated costEUR 25–35 (taxi to Messe Frankfurt)
    Best forFrankfurt Airport (FRA) to Düsseldorf

    Frankfurt Airport connects directly to regional rail for Messe Frankfurt.

    Weather

    May in Düsseldorf typically sees 12–20°C. Pleasant trade-fair season. Business casual with a light jacket.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Germany.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Registration

    Confirm registration and venue access with the organiser before travelling to Düsseldorf.

    Arrival

    Arrive early on the first show day for orientation and security screening.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: DUS

    Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Düsseldorf; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

    Hotels

    Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

    Areas to stay

    Königsallee / Altstadt · Messe / Stockum · Oberbilk / Bilk

    budget

    Book

    mid range

    Book

    premium

    Book

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) to Düsseldorf: EUR 25–35 (metered taxi, ~8 km to Messe Düsseldorf). Primary gateway for Düsseldorf and the Rhine-Ruhr region.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Düsseldorf: Oberbilk / Bilk; Messe / Stockum; Königsallee / Altstadt.

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Düsseldorf; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: U78/U79 trams run directly to Messe Düsseldorf fairgrounds.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at Düsseldorf; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: May 2028

    Temperature: 12–20°C

    Seasonality: Pleasant trade-fair season.

    Packing: May in Düsseldorf typically sees 12–20°C. Pleasant trade-fair season. Business casual with a light jacket.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    1

    Confirm passport validity and Schengen entry requirements — Check an official government or German mission source for your nationality before booking non-refundable travel.

    2

    Book flights to Düsseldorf for arrival on 8 May 2028 — Drupa 2028 opens on 9 May 2028; arriving one day early leaves time for badge collection and orientation.

    3

    Reserve a hotel in Düsseldorf for 8-17 May 2028 — Messe weeks fill city hotels quickly; check cancellation terms and proximity to the venue or a metro line.

    4

    Complete online visitor registration on origin-www.drupa.com — Save the registration confirmation and number; bring the confirmation plus photo ID to the venue.

    5

    Download the hall plan, exhibitor list and programme — Plan hall routes in advance; Drupa runs across multiple halls over nine show days.

    6

    Shortlist exhibitors and request B2B meetings — Send meeting requests two to three weeks ahead and confirm stand numbers from the exhibitor directory.

    7

    Block conference, forum and partner sessions in your calendar — Drupa runs specialist forums alongside the exhibition; prioritise tracks tied to your buying goals.

    8

    Plan the airport to venue transfer — Compare rail, metro, taxi and shuttle options; confirm current routes and fares on the organiser arrival page.

    9

    Arrange local transport and payment — Load a contactless payment card or transit ticket option for Düsseldorf public transport and keep a taxi app as backup.

    10

    Prepare business documents and materials — Carry business cards, company profile, meeting agenda and specification sheets, plus digital copies.

    11

    Pack for May in Düsseldorf — Expect changeable spring weather; pack layered business attire, a light rain layer and comfortable shoes for large halls.

    12

    Arrive in Düsseldorf and collect your badge — Collect your badge at the venue on arrival day, confirm your day one hall route and check the published opening hours.

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.

    Best for

    Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Print production technologies solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Drupa in Düsseldorf.

    Min. budget

    $350.00

    Timeline

    4–8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.

    Risks

    Session times and ticket tiers may change — confirm the official agenda before booking.

    exhibit

    You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.

    Best for

    Brands and manufacturers launching Print production technologies products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.

    Min. budget

    $2,200.00

    Timeline

    3–6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.

    Risks

    Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall — confirm with the organiser sales team.

    skip

    Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.

    Best for

    Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Düsseldorf show week.

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    No major risks listed.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    Glossary

    1
    Exhibitor
    A company or individual that displays products or services at a trade fair.
    2
    Visitor
    An individual who attends a trade fair to explore products, services, and networking opportunities.
    3
    Trade Fair
    An exhibition where businesses showcase their latest products and services to potential customers and partners.
    4
    Networking
    The act of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.
    5
    Innovation
    The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products to improve efficiency or effectiveness.
    6
    Sustainability
    Practices that meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

    Trust footer

    Sources

    7

    References

    2

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    Messe Düsseldorf GmbH

    2

    Drupa

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