In times of profound market transformation, the Print & Digital Convention once again proved its significance as a central platform for innovation, exchange, and future strategies. Combining a trade fair, conference, and hands-on applications, it made Düsseldorf a key meeting point for the print, media, and communications industry in the DACH (Germany (D), Austria (A), and Switzerland (CH)) region – sending a clear message: the industry is evolving, well-connected, and forward-looking.
From 13 to 14 May, visitors to the Print & Digital Convention had the opportunity to learn about the latest technologies, practical applications, and strategic solution approaches. Brand owners, agencies, production managers, and communication professionals alike found concrete inspiration for their projects – and experienced how print and omnichannel concepts can work together successfully in integrated strategies.
Industry hub with strong partners
With over 40 exhibitors – including industry leaders such as Canon, FKS, Horizon, Konica Minolta, KURZ, and Polar Mohr – and a high-caliber lecture program featuring around 40 sessions, the conference trade show reinforced its position as key meeting point for the print, media, and communications sector in the DACH region.
Especially popular were the hands-on highlight projects, developed in collaboration with partners across the entire value chain. These projects demonstrated how technology, creativity, and strategic thinking can be combined to achieve success in modern marketing.
“Our sincere thanks go to the exhibitors, speakers, and partners who continuously engage with us to further develop and shape the Print & Digital Convention,” emphasized Rüdiger Maaß, managing director of the Fachverband Medienproduktion. “The event now feels like a true class reunion of the industry – marked by personal, in-depth conversations, a familiar atmosphere, and a shared drive to make a difference.”
Sabine Geldermann, director of drupa at Messe Düsseldorf, highlighted the special relevance of the event: “The Print & Digital Convention has become a fixture in the industry calendar, not least because it offers guidance, inspiration and practical solutions. It impresses with its practical relevance, innovative applications and in-depth expertise, and strikes a chord with the industry.”
Knowledge transfer, networking, and fostering new talent
As a conference and trade show, the Print & Digital Convention once again provided as a dynamic platform for in-depth discussions. Visitors gained valuable insights into the possibilities of modern print, packaging, and digital technologies through direct conversations at exhibition stands and lectures, offering real added value for their projects. Brand owners, agencies, and media professionals found inspiration for achieving their strategic communication goals.
Promoting young talent was also a priority at this year’s Print & Digital Convention. Following the successful launch of the Youngster Talent Initiative in previous years, several vocational schools once again participated with their classes – seizing the opportunity to experience current topics, technologies, and real-world applications first-hand. Combining classroom knowledge with practical insights and direct interaction with exhibitors and experts helped deepen their understanding of industry trends and laid the groundwork for valuable networking and sustainable talent development.
Joint signal for the future
Fitting the future-oriented character of the Print & Digital Convention, another key initiative was announced: almost exactly one year after the last drupa, the leading trade fair confirmed its partnership with the industry campaign We.Love.Print. This collaboration represents a strong alliance within the community – and symbolizes shared innovation, a commitment to quality, and a sustainable perspective in the print, media, and communications sector.
“By partnering with the We.Love.Print initiative, drupa is supporting the campaign’s nationwide efforts to emphasize the industry’s value and economic importance,” said Sabine Geldermann, director of drupa at Messe Düsseldorf. “Together, we are creating momentum, expanding our reach and emphasizing the resilience and future viability of the print sector.”
