Converters connect with the world at drupa
Themed "one world--one drupa," the show brings together companies of all sizes throughout the world for a fortnight of education and innovation in Dusseldorf.
By Associate Editor Jorina Fontelera -- Converting Magazine, 3/1/2008
Converters have plenty to look forward to at drupa 2008 in Düsseldorf, Germany, where extra emphasis has been placed on converting and packaging. Along with the multitude of exhibitors showcasing converting-related technology, there are several new additions to drupa like drupacube, which highlights innovative packaging.
Though intended to educate print buyers on the power of print, it also benefits converters by letting them see what other converters are doing/able to achieve. Each day will be dedicated to a specific theme and the workshops and symposia will cover topics based on that theme. Packaging/brand protection day is set for June 9. The new technological options for print production related to packaging will be presented in the afternoons during the drupa “walkabouts.” For full details on the drupacube symposia, visit www.drupacube.com.
Drupacube will take up 14,000 sq ft of space and can accommodate up to 800 people. One-day tickets cost €95 - €195, which includes symposium participation, admission to drupa and a VIP ticket to the evening event. Drupacube is open from 9:00am – 3:00am.
Innovative digital solutionsFor more on innovation, head over to the drupa Innovation Parc presented by HP. Since its successful debut in drupa 2004, Messe Düsseldorf has expanded the space from 8,600 sq ft to 35,500 sq ft and filled it with 160 exhibitors. Hall 7 will make “dip” the largest micro-platform for young companies supplying digital solutions.
“Innovations call for a special presentation platform at drupa—and that’s true no matter how big or small an exhibitor is,” says Manuel Matare, drupa project director. “The drupa Innovation Parc is the hotspot for digital innovations. Here, visitors can discover new applications for today and tomorrow.”
“Dip” will be divided into eight sections, each revolving around current developments in the print industry. Converters may want to pay special attention to the creative production parc, which deals with applications relating to computer-generated imaging, image retouching; the pdf + xml production section; the online communication parc, which deals with content management, file transfer services and new online products; and the print + publishing parc, which deals with color management and proofing solutions. For more “dip” details, visit www.dip.drupa.com.
Head in the right direction
While at drupa, why not take advantage of the experts available and get some direction for the show through the Compass Sessions and Highlights Tours. The Compass Sessions are two-hour intensive workshops from 9:00-10:00am daily. Each session will cover a different topic concerning technology and new lines of business. Some sessions to check out: web-to-print solution June 3rd, printed electronics June 4th and package printing June 6th.
“The first Compass Sessions at drupa 2004 were an instant hit with visitors,” says Bernd Adam of Print & Media Forum AG, Compass Sessions organizers. “We are highly satisfied with the total of over 500 participants over the 11-day program.”
Program and registration details are available at www.compass-session.de.
For something a little less intensive, though no less educational, opt for some of the guided Highlights Tours. These themed tours take visitors to six or eight selected exhibitors who are experts in specific topics, such as packaging production and finishing. In addition, Technology Guides are there to provide a comprehensive overview of the topics in brochure format. Exact dates for the tours and registration can be found at www.highlightstouren.de.
For more information about the show, go to www.drupa.com.
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