Drupa 2024: Our Practical Guide Packitoo
Drupa is the world's largest trade fair for the printing and packaging industries. Its name comes from the contraction of the German words "druck" (to print) and "papier" (paper).
Since its first edition in 1951, drupa has been held every four years in Düsseldorf. With over 260,000 visitors and 1,800 exhibitors, this event plays a crucial role in our industry.
The 2024 edition will be a very special one, as the show has not been held for 8 years (2016) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this short guide, you'll find all the information you need to prepare for drupa 2024.
Key information :
Location: Düsseldorf Exhibition Center (Messe), Am Staad (Stockumer Höfe), D-40474 Düsseldorf
Google Maps link
Dates: May 28 to June 7, 2024
Tickets: Available online or on site. Of course, we recommend that you prepare for the show as well as possible by purchasing your tickets in advance. A one-day ticket costs €60.
Link to the official drupa ticketing service
Access: The city has excellent public transport links. If you're coming by car, free shuttles are available from Messe Düsseldorf parking lots P1 & P2.
Planning your visit: To get the most out of your visit, plan ahead and locate exhibitors of interest, as the show is huge. Use the Drupa app to access an interactive map and matchmaking service.
Download the official drupa app on iOS (iPhone)
Download the official drupa app on Google Play Store (Android)
How to get to drupa :
Plane: Düsseldorf airport (DUS) is conveniently located just 7 km from the Exhibition Center.
Train: The main stations are Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) and Heinrich-Heine-Allee, with connections to the Exhibition Center via streetcar. From Paris, you can reach Düsseldorf by Eurostar (formerly Thalys).
Public transport in Düsseldorf: You will need a ticket to get to drupa by public transport. Admission to Messe Düsseldorf does not include free public transport to and from the event. For more information on public transport in Düsseldorf, visit the official Rheinbahn website
Accommodation :
Most hotels are booked years in advance by exhibitors, and the last few rooms can be very expensive.
We advise you to consider Airbnb and in particular rooms in private homes. It's often the best way for you to find last-minute accommodation without having to travel too far from the show.
Another option is to move further away, with good accommodation options in the cities of Duisburg and Cologne (with excellent public transport links and direct connections to the Exhibition Center).
Practical advice:
Coming to drupa is not quite the same experience as coming to a more traditional trade show. Bring comfortable shoes, for example.
Does this sound like trivial advice? The show covers an area of 160,000m2 or 16 hectares!
Please note that equipment manufacturers and suppliers are not grouped by type. So you may have to scour a few halls (out of the 18 that make up the show) to find two similar companies offering the solutions you're interested in: all the more reason to plan ahead once you're at the show.
Where can you find Packitoo at drupa?
For this 2024 edition, we will be present on 2 partner stands for the entire duration of the show (May 28 to June 7).
Packitoo on the BOBST stand (Hall 10 / B30-1 - B30-3)
Packitoo on the ESKO stand (Hall 8B / A12)
Anecdote drupa | Do you know the "Drupa Song"?
The "drupa song" is a well-known tradition among show regulars. It's an unofficial song that captures the mood and energy of the event. Each edition of Drupa seems to inspire new lyrics or adaptations of popular songs, creating an unofficial anthem for visitors and exhibitors alike.
This song is often used to create a festive atmosphere and reinforce a sense of community among participants. It can also serve as a rallying cry and a source of entertainment during the downtime between sessions and business meetings.
The "Drupa Song" is an example of how this trade event is much more than just an exhibition; it's also a celebration of industry, innovation and the dynamism of the people who make it up.
A preview of drupa song 2024 below:
Drupa is much more than just a trade show; it's a showcase for the latest innovations in printing and packaging. By carefully planning your visit and making good use of your time and available resources (the official app, for example), you'll be able to get the most out of this must-see event for industry professionals.