Printers urged to join in at global fair

Drupa 2020 is projected to accommodate 1,850 exhibitors from around the world in Dusseldorf.
To be held from June 16-26, 2020, the event “will provide decisive stimuli to the global print technology industry”, said Sabine Geldermann, director of Drupa and global head for print technologies at Messe Dusseldorf, which organises the event.
“2020 seems to be far away but it is only 20 months to go. So, we are in full swing for preparation,” she said at a public event on Tuesday.
“We are experiencing strong demand for exhibition space. Shortly after the official registration deadline, 80 per cent of the planned 160,000 square metre space is already booked.”
According to Geldermann, more than 1,300 exhibitors from 45 countries have so far confirmed they will showcase their innovative products and services at the event.
“I believe there will be more exhibitors who are eager to take part in our global portfolio, which is the key to future markets. I want Myanmar printing businesses to take advantage of our professionalism by joining us in 2020,” she said.
On top of printing and converting processes, the focus will be on package printing, industrial and functional printing as well as additive manufacturing. Geldermann considers the growth potential of inkjet as a key driver for innovation.
 “It has become very clear that the fascination with print products increases with the constant development of technical possibilities. Print conquers new dimensions with haptic elements, innovative materials and embellishments opening a bright new world of customer experiences,” she said.
Geldermann said that future and cross-sectional technologies and global mega-trends have a major influence on the printing industry, and applications for organic and printed electronics, nanotechnology and all further developments resulting from Industry 4.0 will intervene in a large number of processes.
“As the meaning of Drupa goes, the event will bring together cutting-edge technologies and solutions that reach target groups in a wide range of markets,” said Geldermann.
Messe Dusseldorf is investing in digitalisation and optimisation of its exhibition centre. The company plans to invest 650 million euros to undertake the full-fledged modernisation of the centre by 2030. New facilities are expected to be functional by the third quarter of 2019.
 “We expect to receive]a total of 44,000 people coming from Asia. Not only is the exhibitor side very dynamic, so too are the conference and education programmes that we will provide in cooperation with our partners,” she said.
As part of its strategic expansion in Southeast Asia, the company has appointed locally owned Su Shwe Nadi Trading and Consultancy Co as its representative in Myanmar. Geldermann urged Myanmar businesses to directly contact their local partner for any inquiries about the event.
Thet Su Hlaing, managing director of Su Shwe Nadi Co, is encouraging local businesses to join the event as a team from Myanmar.
“Myanmar people usually prefer individual efforts rather than teamwork. Some businesspeople are willing to attend the event, but I would recommend them going there as team so that we can represent our own country. Let’s strive for collective success,” she said.
She said a Myanmar presence at the event would help printing and packaging businesses achieve invaluable experience, an innovative mindset and motivation for the implementation of their plans.
“It is time for Myanmar businesses to learn about the latest printing technologies so they can catch up with the development |of the neighbouring countries,” |she said.