Around 18 months ahead of the event, the world’s leading trade fair for printing solutions is already demonstrating its global appeal: Companies from 38 countries have registered for drupa 2028 – a strong signal from the international print and packaging industry.
From 9 to 17 May 2028, Düsseldorf will once again be the place to feel the pulse of the industry, experience innovation first-hand and explore new business opportunities. Exhibitor registration remains open until 31 October 2026.
From established global players to emerging newcomers, the exhibitor list already reads like a who’s who of the print and packaging industry, spanning the entire value chain. Renowned, long-standing exhibitors, including Comexi, Esko, Fujifilm, Heidelberg, Horizon, Konica Minolta, Kyocera Document Solutions, Leonhard Kurz, Line O Matic, UPG and Windmöller & Hölscher, among many others, have registered and will showcase their innovations, technology trends, product portfolios and premieres in Düsseldorf from 9 to 17 May 2028.
Visitors can look forward to a trade fair experience where complex automated workflows, integrated processes and new technologies can be seen in action in real-world production settings.
The international scope of drupa is already clearly reflected in exhibitor registrations. Alongside Germany, a substantial number of companies from major print and packaging markets, including China, Italy, India, Spain and Japan, will be represented. In total, exhibitors from 38 countries have registered for drupa 2028.
Diversity and innovative strength
“The current booking figures, particularly the high level of international participation, send a strong signal from the market,” says Sabine Geldermann, director drupa, Portfolio Print Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf.
“The profiles of exhibitors registered so far reflect the full breadth of the industry – from established technology leaders and highly specialized solution providers to companies operating in emerging technology fields. This is precisely where drupa’s strength lies. It brings together the international print and packaging industry across the entire value chain and highlights the technologies, perspectives and partnerships that will shape its future.”
From an industry perspective, the strong international response at this early stage is equally significant. Dr Andreas Pleßke, Chairman of the drupa Committee, explains, “The fact that companies from 38 countries have already committed to drupa 2028 demonstrates the global importance of this platform for our industry. The sector is experiencing a period of rapid technological change. Automation, artificial intelligence and connected production processes are transforming value chains and opening up new business opportunities. This makes an international meeting place all the more important – one where innovations can be experienced not in isolation, but through the interaction of technology, applications and markets. That is exactly what drupa stands for. Visitors can look forward to drupa 2028 introducing entirely new formats that will bring this dynamic transformation to life and showcase the business opportunities it creates.”
Growth, innovation and new market opportunities
drupa 2028 will place greater emphasis on end-to-end solutions, automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, materials and the circular economy. At the heart of this approach is the integration of hardware, software, data and automated production processes into interconnected systems.
At the same time, drupa is opening up to a wider range of stakeholders across the value chain. Alongside technology providers, print service providers and converters, brand owners, designers and the creative industries are gaining greater prominence. The new experience architecture, built around the four clusters: grow, create, learn and play, brings together business & solutions, creativity, knowledge transfer and community under one roof.
The supporting program for drupa 2028 is also taking shape. Stages, interactive formats and knowledge-sharing opportunities will bring together technologies, applications and the people behind them. The next generation of industry professionals will also have a more prominent role, with young talents, start-ups and emerging technology companies connecting directly with established market players and international decision-makers.
Exhibitor registration open until 31 October 2026
Registration for drupa 2028 remains open until 31 October 2026 at www.drupa.com. Exhibitors who took part in drupa 2024 can use their existing login credentials, while first-time exhibitors will be guided through the online process step by step.
For those looking to stay informed about developments in the print and packaging industry, the drupa blog features expert articles, industry trends and best-practice examples from around the world. The premium content hub drupa insights provides in-depth industry knowledge, international studies, reports and market analyses at www.drupa.com/insights. The drupa newsletter delivers regular updates on drupa and the international trade fairs within the drupa alliance. Further news and insights are available via drupa’s LinkedIn and Facebook channels.
“drupa is the global business summit of the printing and packaging industry and the largest showcase for innovation in machinery and plant engineering. As a supporting industry association and partner, VDMA has maintained close ties with drupa for decades. Together with Messe Düsseldorf, we continue to develop drupa and champion the technologies shaping the future of our industry, ensuring they receive the visibility they deserve,” says Richard Clemens, managing director, VDMA Printing and Paper Technology Association.
“For Kurz, drupa is the industry’s ultimate highlight – and of course, we’ll be back in 2028! It provides a unique platform to bring our innovations and solutions to life together with our partners. The new concept promises fresh impetus, greater collaboration and an even more immersive trade fair experience,” says Markus Hoffmann, member of the Board, Leonhard Kurz Stiftung & Co. and chairman of the VDMA Printing and Paper Technology Association.
