Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Hunkeler Innovationdays is a leading international event focused on high-performance digital printing and finishing technologies. Scheduled for February 22 to 25, 2027, at Messe Luzern, it brings together industry leaders, decision-makers, and innovators.
This unique event showcases the latest advancements in digital printing, offering a platform for networking and collaboration. Hunkeler Innovationdays takes place in Lucerne, Switzerland.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Hunkeler Innovationdays 2027 runs from February 22 to 25, 2027, at Messe Luzern in Lucerne, Switzerland.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is a key international platform for high-performance digital printing and finishing technologies.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Hunkeler Systeme AG, a leader in digital printing solutions.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include industry decision-makers, technology providers, and print professionals from around the globe.
- 5Entry: Admission is free, but pre-registration is mandatory for access.
Why visit
Attending Hunkeler Innovationdays provides valuable insights into the latest trends and technologies in digital printing. Visitors can network with industry leaders, discover innovative solutions, and gain knowledge from expert presentations. The event also offers free entry and catering, making it an accessible opportunity for professionals in the printing sector.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Hunkeler Innovationdays allows companies to showcase their latest products and technologies to a targeted audience of industry decision-makers. Exhibitors benefit from direct engagement with potential clients, networking opportunities, and the chance to participate in live demonstrations. This event is an excellent platform for generating leads and enhancing brand visibility in the digital printing market.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Commercial, digital and hybrid print service providers evaluating production inkjet, toner and sheetfed presses
Packaging converters and label printers adding short-run digital production and variable-data capabilities
Large-format, signage and display graphics producers sourcing printers, cutters and finishing lines
Brand owners, retailers and marketing production teams buying personalised, on-demand print
Publishers, agencies and creative studios looking for colour-managed proofing and short-run book production
Print workflow, MIS/ERP and web-to-print specialists scoping automation and JDF connectivity
Finishing and post-press managers comparing cutters, folders, laminators, binders and inspection systems
Substrate, ink and consumable buyers qualifying papers, films, boards and specialty stocks
Technical directors and production engineers auditing colour, drying, waste and energy performance
Trade associations, industry media and consultants tracking Swiss print-market investment
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Digital production press manufacturers for inkjet, toner, hybrid and sheetfed systems
Label and packaging printing equipment suppliers, including digital label presses and converting lines
Large-format printer and cutter vendors for signage, POS and display graphics
Finishing equipment makers: folders, binders, laminators, die-cutters, stackers and inspection units
Print workflow, MIS/ERP, web-to-print and colour-management software developers
Ink, toner, coating and consumable suppliers for digital and hybrid print production
Paper, board, film and specialty substrate mills and merchants
Automation and robotics suppliers for pallet handling, roll logistics and post-press material flow
Energy-efficiency and environmental solution providers for print production, including drying, air handling and waste recovery
Service bureaux, training providers and consultants supporting Swiss print shops' digital transformation
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Production inkjet and toner digital presses for commercial print
Digital label presses, hybrid label lines and inline converting modules
Packaging printing systems for folding cartons, corrugated and flexible packaging
Large-format and signage printing equipment, including roll-to-roll and flatbed printers
Finishing systems: guillotines, folders, perfect binders, saddle stitchers, laminators and die-cutters
Print MIS/ERP, workflow automation, JDF/JMF connectivity and web-to-print storefronts
Colour management, proofing, measurement and print-quality inspection tools
Variable-data publishing and personalisation software
Digital substrates: coated and uncoated papers, boards, films, labels and specialty stocks
Inks, toners, primers, coatings and consumables for digital production
Prepress and plate-making systems for hybrid offset and digital workflows
Energy recovery, air handling, waste reduction and material-handling automation for print plants
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
2Messe Luzern Exhibition HallsZagg Event Space at Messe Luzern
Messe Luzern AG
Horwerstrasse 87, CH-6005 Lucerne, Switzerland
Facilities
Parking
Messe Luzern AG in Lucerne typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Messe Luzern AG in Lucerne typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Messe Luzern AG for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
Hunkeler Systeme AG
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Why it matters
On 2027-02-22 to 2027-02-25, Hunkeler Innovationdays in Lucerne covering Digital printing systems and technologies, Finishing solutions and equipment, Software for print production management, gives packaging buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · CHF
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Grand Hotel National Luzern
5-star / luxury
Lucerne lakefrontUSD 230–265 / night
Google Hotels listing shows 4.5 guest rating, indoor pool, bar and restaurant; breakfast and parking are chargeable extras.
HERMITAGE Lake Lucerne
4-star / upper midscale
Lucerne lakefrontUSD 150–190 / night
4.5 guest rating with free parking, fitness centre and spa; useful for travellers arriving by car.
Hotel Château Gütsch
4-star / upper midscale
Lucerne hillside above the cityUSD 150–190 / night
4.4 guest rating from roughly 1.6K reviews; breakfast, free Wi-Fi, chargeable parking, air conditioning and restaurant on the Google Hotels card.
AMERON Luzern Hotel Flora
4-star / upper midscale
Central LucerneUSD 150–190 / night
Spa and pet-friendly property surfaced in the Messe Luzern hotel search; convenient base for the old town and station.
Hotel MONOPOL Luzern
4-star / upper midscale
Central LucerneUSD 150–190 / night
Pet-friendly with parking; listed among hotels returned for the Messe Luzern dates.
Holiday Inn Express Luzern - Kriens by IHG
3-star / budget
Kriens, west of the lakeUSD 95–122 / night
4.2 guest rating, pet-friendly with parking; the closest limited-service chain option to the Kriens side of the city.
Holiday Inn Express Luzern - Neuenkirch by IHG
3-star / budget
Neuenkirch, outside the city on the motorway corridorUSD 95–122 / night
4.1 guest rating, pet-friendly with free parking; a driving base rather than a walkable city stay.
ibis budget Luzern City
Budget
Lucerne cityUSD 95–122 / night
Budget chain option listed in the Messe Luzern hotel results for the fair dates.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Train (S-Bahn S4)
Estimated costCHF 12-28 airport or S-Bahn single journey
Best forLucerne station to Luzern Allmend/Messe station
Google Maps directions captured a 4-minute S4 ride from Lucerne to the Allmend/Messe stop; SBB lists Luzern Allmend/Messe as a served station.
Bus / city transit (VBL)
Estimated costCHF 3.50-6.50 single S-Bahn/tram journey
Best forLucerne city to Messe Luzern, Allmend
VBL operates the Lucerne bus and trolleybus network feeding the Allmend/Messe exhibition district; Google Maps showed a 9-minute ride on line 20 from the city to the venue.
Car / taxi
Estimated costCHF 45–90 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forCentral Lucerne to Messe Luzern, Horwerstrasse 87
Google Maps captured an 8-10 minute drive of 2.7-3.3 km via Obergrundstrasse and Horwerstrasse/Route 4.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. CHF taxi/rideshare from ZRH to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forZurich Airport (ZRH) to Messe Luzern AG
Weather
Late February is late winter in Lucerne. Expect cold mornings, daytime highs typically around 4-8°C, and night lows near -2 to 2°C. Rain, sleet or snow can occur, and pavements may be icy early in the day. The lakefront can feel windier and colder than the sheltered old town. Pack layers, a waterproof outer shell and footwear with grip for the walk from Luzern Allmend/Messe station to the halls. These are climatological ranges, not a forecast; check MeteoSwiss shortly before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Switzerland.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Venue district
Messe Luzern sits in the Allmend district south of the lake at Horwerstrasse 87, 6005 Luzern, with its own S-Bahn stop (Luzern Allmend/Messe) and city bus links from the old town.
Money and language
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc (CHF), not the euro; cards are widely accepted but keep some cash for small kiosks. German is the local language, and English is commonly spoken in hotels and at the fairground.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Captured Google Flights results for the 22 February 2027 arrival show wide price dispersion: a Sydney-Zurich round trip from about CHF 1,018 (Etihad, Cathay Pacific/SWISS, Emirates/Qantas options shown from CHF 1,115), while short-haul Swiss departures such as Basel-London appear from CHF 52 and Geneva-Paris from CHF 97. Long-haul fares from New York and Tokyo showed only generic nearby-date teasers in the captures, so price them directly for the fair week. Swiss flag-carrier and Gulf/Asian one-stop routings via Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong and Singapore dominate long-haul itineraries into ZRH.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Lucerne; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Messe Luzern AG: Lucerne lakefront: Grand Hotel National Luzern; Lucerne lakefront: HERMITAGE Lake Lucerne; Lucerne hillside above the city: Hotel Château Gütsch.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Lucerne; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: The venue has its own rail stop, Luzern Allmend/Messe, served by SBB trains (the S4 takes about 4 minutes from Lucerne station). VBL city buses and trolleybuses, including line 20, link the centre with the Allmend/Messe district; timetables are on vbl.ch and sbb.ch.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Messe Luzern AG; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February 2027
Temperature: Approx. -2°C to 8°C in late February; confirm the forecast before travel.
Seasonality: Mixed winter precipitation is possible: rain, sleet or snow, with icy mornings. February is not the wettest month, but frontal systems can bring several wet days. Pack waterproof layers and footwear with grip for the walk from Luzern Allmend/Messe station.
Packing: Approx. -2°C to 8°C in late February; confirm the forecast before travel. Mixed winter precipitation is possible: rain, sleet or snow, with icy mornings. February is not the wettest month, but frontal systems can bring several wet days. Pack waterproof layers and footwear with grip for the walk from
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Hunkeler Innovationdays usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 14
Confirm your registration on innovationdays.com and check whether your badge is digital or collected on-site.
Day 13
Build a shortlist of presses, finishing lines or software from the exhibitor list; group meetings by hall to avoid criss-crossing Messe Luzern.
Day 12
Book SBB rail tickets to Lucerne and note the S4 or VBL line 20 connection to Luzern Allmend/Messe.
Day 11
Reserve a hotel in central Lucerne, the lakefront or Kriens; confirm cancellation terms and whether breakfast is included.
Day 10
Ask exhibitors for demo times and whether they can run your substrate or file type.
Day 9
Prepare a one-page requirements brief covering run lengths, substrates, colour targets and finishing needs.
Day 8
Check the programme for sessions on inkjet, packaging, workflow automation or colour management; mark clashes.
Day 7
Confirm visa or entry requirements if travelling from outside Schengen; allow processing time.
Day 6
Pack business cards, a refillable water bottle and waterproof footwear for the walk from the station.
Day 5
Download the SBB and VBL apps; save the venue address, Horwerstrasse 87, 6005 Lucerne.
Day 4
Arrange any sample files or printed sheets you want suppliers to evaluate; keep them in carry-on luggage.
Day 3
Check the weather forecast and rail service updates; February snow can affect Alpine connections.
Day 2
Save your registration confirmation, hotel booking and travel tickets offline.
Day 1
Aim to arrive at Messe Luzern before the first meeting; allow 20-30 minutes from Lucerne station door to hall.
T-15
On the day: Wear comfortable shoes, carry a charged phone and use the cloakroom rather than bringing large bags into demo areas.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Messe Luzern AG
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Hunkeler Innovationdays registration concourse
Messe Luzern AG
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Messe Luzern AG
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsCHF 190.00
- Per diem × 2CHF 150.00
Estimated totalCHF 340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Hunkeler Innovationdays fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Hunkeler Innovationdays, what is your primary role on the show floor?
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 Digital printing systems and technologies and Finishing solutions and equipment solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Hunkeler Innovationdays in Lucerne.
Min. budget
$608.00
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 Digital printing systems and technologies and Finishing solutions and equipment products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,736.00
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 Lucerne show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is Innovation Days 2027?
Innovation Days 2027 is scheduled for 22-25 February 2027 at Messe Luzern in Lucerne, Switzerland. Check innovationdays.com for final opening hours, hall allocation and any programme changes before travelling.
Who should attend Innovation Days?
The event is aimed at print service providers, packaging converters, label printers, large-format producers, brand owners and production engineers evaluating digital printing, finishing and workflow automation. It is a trade event rather than a consumer show.
Is Innovation Days trade-only?
The programme is built for print and production professionals. Visitor eligibility, badge type and any trade-only restrictions should be confirmed in the registration terms on innovationdays.com.
How do I register for Innovation Days?
Use the registration route published on innovationdays.com. Have your company details, VAT or tax information and a business email ready; avoid third-party ticket resellers unless the organiser explicitly lists them.
What will be on display at Innovation Days?
Expect working demonstrations of digital production presses, label and packaging printing lines, large-format printers, finishing equipment, substrates, inks and print MIS or workflow software. Confirm specific equipment and demo times with exhibitors before you travel.
Will machines be running live at Innovation Days?
Many suppliers use trade events to run live demos, but not every exhibit is powered for every session. Ask exhibitors in advance whether they will run your substrate, file type or finishing requirement on stand.
How do I get to Messe Luzern?
Messe Luzern has its own SBB stop, Luzern Allmend/Messe, about 4 minutes by S4 from Lucerne station. VBL buses and trolleybuses, including line 20, also serve the Allmend district. Allow extra time on show mornings and check live SBB or VBL updates.
Where should I stay in Lucerne during Innovation Days?
The lakefront and central Lucerne have the densest hotel clusters, while Kriens and Neuenkirch offer budget chain options. Book early for 22-25 February 2027 and confirm cancellation terms, breakfast and parking before paying.
Is there parking at Messe Luzern?
Messe Luzern has on-site parking. Confirm daily rates, height restrictions and hall access with the venue or organiser before driving, especially if you are carrying demo equipment.
What language is used at Innovation Days?
Lucerne is in German-speaking Switzerland, so German is the local language. Many exhibitors and visitors work in English and French; check the programme for the language of specific sessions.
What is the weather like in Lucerne in February?
Late February is late winter: expect cold mornings, daytime highs around 4-8°C, night lows near -2 to 2°C, and possible rain, sleet or snow. Pack layers, a waterproof outer shell and footwear with grip for icy pavements.
Do I need a visa to attend Innovation Days in Switzerland?
Switzerland is in the Schengen area, and entry rules depend on your nationality. Check the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration or your nearest Swiss embassy or consulate, and apply for a Schengen visa well before February 2027 if one is required.
Can I bring samples or luggage to the show?
Small sample packs are useful for exhibitor meetings, but large cases and trolleys may be restricted in demo areas. Contact Messe Luzern about cloakroom facilities and bag policy for the 2027 edition.
Is Messe Luzern accessible?
Contact Messe Luzern directly for step-free hall access, accessible parking, assistance dogs and any other requirements. Confirm your specific route from Lucerne station to Luzern Allmend/Messe with SBB before travelling.
Glossary
- Digital production printing
- Printing directly from digital files without fixed plates, using inkjet or toner systems. At Innovation Days, the focus is on production-class presses for commercial, label and packaging work.
- Inkjet
- A non-contact digital printing method that jets ink droplets onto a substrate. Production inkjet is used for short-run, variable-data and wide-format applications shown at the event.
- Electrophotography (toner)
- A digital printing process using charged toner particles. Toner presses remain common for short-run commercial print, books and marketing collateral.
- Hybrid printing
- Combining offset or flexo with a digital print unit in one production line, typically for variable-data overprinting, labels or packaging.
- Print MIS/ERP
- Software that manages estimating, job intake, scheduling, inventory and costing for print production. Exhibitors demonstrate integration with presses and finishing equipment.
- Web-to-print
- An online ordering front end connected to a print workflow, used by print shops and brand owners for template-driven, short-run orders.
- JDF/JMF
- Job Definition Format and Job Messaging Format, standards used to exchange job tickets and production status between MIS, prepress and finishing equipment.
- Variable data printing (VDP)
- Printing where text, images or codes change from item to item within a run. It is used for direct mail, labels, packaging and personalisation.
- Colour management (ICC)
- Using ICC profiles and measurement devices to keep colour consistent across devices and substrates. It is a recurring technical theme for digital and hybrid print.
- Substrate
- The material printed on, such as paper, board, film, label stock or specialty media. Substrate choice affects ink adhesion, drying and finishing.
- Finishing
- Post-press operations such as cutting, folding, binding, laminating, die-cutting and inspection that turn printed sheets or rolls into finished products.
- Large-format printing
- Printing for signage, displays, vehicle graphics and POS, typically on roll or rigid substrates using inkjet equipment.
- Digital label converting
- Printing and finishing labels in a single digital workflow, including die-cutting, slitting, rewinding and inspection.
- Print automation
- Software and hardware that reduce manual touchpoints, from automated job onboarding to robotic material handling and inline quality control.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Hunkeler Innovationdays 2027
- Lucerne printing event
- Hunkeler Innovationdays Lucerne 2027
- Lucerne Switzerland
- Digital printing systems and technologies
- Finishing solutions and equipment
- Software for print production management
- Substrates and consumables for printing
- digital transformation expo
- Lucerne technology expo 2027
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.