Drupa (Printing Technologies) 2026 – Düsseldorf, Germany

Overview

Drupa 2026, held at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre (Messe Düsseldorf), is the world’s premier trade fair for printing and media technologies, occurring every four years and recognized as the industry’s pinnacle since its inception in 1952, drawing over 1,800 exhibitors from 50+ countries and approximately 180,000 visitors, as evidenced by the 2024 edition’s global impact. Organized by Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, this 11-day event showcases transformative innovations in printing machinery, digital printing systems, packaging production, labeling technologies, and cross-media solutions, emphasizing digital transformation, sustainability, and Industry 4.0 integration to meet the demands of a $400 billion global print market. Key highlights include AI-driven automation for print workflows, eco-friendly inks and recyclable substrates, 3D printing for customized packaging, and advanced software for smart production, catering to professionals in graphic arts, publishing, advertising, industrial printing, and brand communication sectors across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

The fair features an extensive program with special forums on personalization and circular economy, live demonstrations of next-generation presses, and the PRINT DIGITAL CONVENTION (PDC) side-event on June 16–17, 2026, in Hall 1 foyer, which debuts a modernized brand identity, a user-friendly website, and a 1,000-square-meter exhibition space focused on media production and DACH region solutions. Supported by the drupa alliance and partners like Fachverband Medienproduktion (FMP), Drupa 2026 offers digital tools such as the event app for interactive hall navigation, MyOrganizer for scheduling exhibitor meetings, and the Online Order System (OOS) for streamlined booth services. Accessibility is a priority, with barrier-free facilities, closed captioning in languages like English, German, and French, and sustainability initiatives like eco-friendly booth designs, digital ticketing, and reduced carbon footprints through optimized logistics. With a robust press center, press releases, and social media engagement, Drupa fosters global networking, knowledge exchange, and strategic partnerships, making it an essential platform for innovators to drive the future of print and media technologies in a sustainable, digital era.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances: Over 1,800 exhibitor booths showcasing cutting-edge printing presses, digital finishing systems, packaging machinery, and labeling solutions; a comprehensive conference program with keynote speeches by industry leaders, panel discussions on AI automation, sustainable printing practices, and Industry 4.0 applications; live demonstrations of advanced workflow software, 3D printing for packaging, and eco-friendly substrates; the PRINT DIGITAL CONVENTION (PDC) side-event with congress sessions, networking, and a 1,000-square-meter exhibition space for media and agency solutions.
• Special Traditions or Features: Drupa alliance promoting global industry collaboration; revamped PDC with a new logo, mobile-optimized website, and modern communication strategy; event app offering real-time hall plans and program updates; MyOrganizer tool for personalized exhibitor connections and visit planning; sustainability initiatives with recycled booth materials, energy-efficient demos, and digital ticketing to minimize environmental impact.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors: Specialized forums on multichannel communication, lightweight construction for packaging, and medical printing applications; dedicated networking zones for business matchmaking with global exhibitors like HP, Canon, and Heidelberg; personalized stand demonstrations showcasing AI-driven presses and smart workflows; press conferences and media resources for industry insights; opportunities to explore export markets and digital transformation strategies in the $400 billion print sector.

Why Attend

Drupa 2026 is a critical event for printing, publishing, packaging, and media professionals seeking to lead in digital innovation and sustainability, offering unparalleled access to over 1,800 exhibitors showcasing AI-driven printing presses, eco-friendly materials, and smart workflow solutions that enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and drive competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market valued at $400 billion. Attendees gain actionable insights from the PDC side-event, live demonstrations of next-generation technologies, and expert-led forums on personalization, circular economy principles, and regulatory compliance, equipping them to address industry challenges like sustainability mandates, cost optimization, and digital convergence while fostering new business opportunities in packaging, labeling, and cross-media production.

The event excels in fostering high-impact networking with 180,000+ global peers, including C-suite executives, designers, technology providers, and brand managers, through dedicated lounges, exhibitor dashboards, and the drupa app for seamless connections across 50+ countries. Düsseldorf’s strategic location as a European hub, combined with Messe Düsseldorf’s state-of-the-art 262,000-square-meter facility, ensures a world-class experience, with accessibility features like wheelchair rentals, multilingual support in languages such as English, German, Spanish, and French, and barrier-free navigation enhancing inclusivity. Past editions, like 2024’s transformative showcase, have been celebrated for their comprehensive scope, driving industry advancements through partnerships and innovation, making attendance a strategic investment for professionals aiming to leverage trends, expand into new markets, and shape the future of print and media technologies through sustainable, cutting-edge solutions.

Date & Duration

• Dates: October 14 – 24, 2026 (projected based on quadrennial cycle post-2024; confirm via drupa.com for final dates)
• Duration: 11 days (08:00–18:00 daily, based on past events, with extended hours for setup/dismantling)

Venue / Location

• City: Düsseldorf, Germany
• Main Venue: Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre (Messe Düsseldorf)
• Address: Stockumer Kirchstraße 61, 40474 Düsseldorf, Germany
• Venue Details: Messe Düsseldorf, one of Europe’s largest exhibition centers, spans 262,000 square meters across 19 interconnected halls, featuring advanced audiovisual systems, sustainable infrastructure with energy-efficient lighting, and barrier-free access with ramps and elevators; located in Düsseldorf’s trade fair hub, it supports 180,000+ visitors with robust logistics and connectivity.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Online via the ticket shop on drupa.com; eTickets, visitor vouchers, and digital exhibitor passes available for instant access; Online Order System (OOS) for exhibitor services like booth setup, marketing, and logistics; early registration recommended for discounts, visa invitation letters, and priority access to forums and networking events.
• Admission Type: Paid (free entry with visitor voucher codes distributed by exhibitors)
• Ticket Price Range: Minimum $20 USD (estimated single-day eTicket, based on past pricing); Maximum $100 USD (multi-day pass or premium access, including PDC sessions)
• Special Seating or VIP Options: VIP packages for sponsors and exhibitors include priority seating at conferences, access to exclusive networking lounges, and featured listings in exhibitor profiles; Stand Configurator for customized booth setups; contact organizers for bespoke sponsorship opportunities.

Booking with Euro Travelo

• Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.

Contact Information

• Email: info@drupa.de; exhibitor inquiries: MuellerC@messe-duesseldorf.de (Christian Müller), HatzigiannidisA@messe-duesseldorf.de (Apostolos Hatzigiannidis)
• Phone: +49 211 4560-01 (general hotline); +49 211 4560-439 (Christian Müller, Project Manager); +49 211 4560-544 (Apostolos Hatzigiannidis, Exhibitor Relations)
• Website: https://drupa.com
• Social Media: LinkedIn (drupa), X/Twitter (@drupa), Instagram (@drupa_global), Facebook (drupa trade fair)
• Key Staff: Christian Müller (Project Manager), Apostolos Hatzigiannidis (Exhibitor Relations), Messe Düsseldorf GmbH team
• Press/Volunteers: Press accreditation via dedicated form on drupa.com; volunteers apply through careers page or contact form; barrier reporting at info@messe-duesseldorf.de; ombudsman for accessibility issues at ombudsstelle-barrierefreie-it@mags.nrw.de (+49 211 8553451)
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; multilingual support in English, German, Spanish, French, and other languages; press mailing list available for journalists

Getting There

• Nearest Airports: Düsseldorf Airport (DUS, ~8 km, 10-minute drive with direct S-Bahn); Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN, ~50 km, 30–45 minutes by car or train)
• Public Transport: S-Bahn (S11) and U-Bahn (U78, U79) from DUS airport to Messe Düsseldorf; regional trains and buses from Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof; dedicated event shuttles from airport and city center; tram lines for local access
• Parking: On-site parking with 10,000+ spaces, including e-charging stations for electric vehicles; permits for disabled parking; pre-book via drupa.com to secure spots; daily parking fees apply
• Other: Taxis and rideshares (e.g., Uber, Bolt); fully barrier-free venue with wheelchair rentals, cloakrooms, and multilingual signage; no pets or large bags/suitcases permitted to ensure safety and flow

Accommodation Options

• Preferred Hotels: Maritim Hotel Düsseldorf (adjacent to Messe, with event-specific rates and shuttle services), Hilton Düsseldorf, NH Düsseldorf City Nord, and Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Düsseldorf, all offering tailored packages for Drupa attendees
• Nearby Hotels: 4-5 star options in Düsseldorf’s city center (e.g., Steigenberger Parkhotel, InterContinental Düsseldorf); budget-friendly options like Ibis Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof or Novotel Düsseldorf City West; proximity to public transport for easy venue access
• Booking Note: Early booking critical due to high demand during Düsseldorf’s trade fair season; visa invitation letters available via drupa.com contact form; MyOrganizer tool provides hotel recommendations and booking links for convenience
• Amenities: High-speed Wi-Fi, business centers with printing and meeting rooms, 24/7 concierge services, fitness facilities, and on-site catering at Messe (no outside food/drinks permitted); some hotels offer complimentary shuttles to the venue

Reviews

• Globally celebrated as the leading printing technology trade fair, renowned for its vast innovation showcases and transformative industry impact, driving advancements in digital and sustainable printing solutions.
• Exceptional for networking with global industry leaders, fostering partnerships across publishing, packaging, and media sectors, with seamless access to exhibitors and actionable insights.
• Praised for its comprehensive program, accessibility features, and sustainability focus, making it a benchmark event for professionals seeking to stay ahead in the print and media landscape.