Drupa 2024: Our Practical Guide by Packitoo
Drupa is the world’s largest trade fair for the printing and packaging industries. Its name is a contraction of the German words ‘druck’ (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 particularly special as the fair has not been held for 8 years (since 2016) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this handy guide, you’ll find all the necessary information to prepare for your Drupa 2024 experience.
Key Information:
Location: Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre (Messe), Am Staad (Stockumer Höfe), D-40474 Düsseldorf
Google Maps Link
Dates: May 28th to June 7th, 2024
Tickets: Available online or on-site. We strongly recommend preparing for the event by purchasing your tickets in advance. A one-day pass costs €60.
Link to official Drupa ticketing
Access: The city is well-served by public transportation. If you’re driving, free shuttles are available from parking lots P1 & P2 at Messe Düsseldorf.
Planning Your Visits: To make the most of your visit, plan your itinerary in advance and identify exhibitors of interest, as the fair is vast. Use the Drupa app for access to an interactive map and networking services.
Download the official Drupa app on iOS (iPhone)
Download the official Drupa app on the Google Play Store (Android)
Transport Options to Reach Drupa:
By Plane: Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) is very convenient, located just 7 km from the Exhibition Centre.
By Train: The main stations are Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) and Heinrich-Heine-Allee, with connections to the Exhibition Centre via tram. From Paris, you can reach Düsseldorf via Eurostar (formerly Thalys).
Public Transportation in Düsseldorf: You’ll need a ticket for public transport to get to Drupa. The entry ticket to Messe Düsseldorf does not include free public transport to and from the event. For more information on transportation in Düsseldorf, visit the official Rheinbahn website.
Accommodation:
Most hotels are booked years in advance by exhibitors, and the remaining rooms can be quite expensive.
We recommend considering Airbnb, especially private rooms hosted by individuals. It’s often the best way for you to find accommodation last minute without straying too far from the fair.
Another option is to look further afield, with good accommodation options in the cities of Duisburg and Cologne (well-connected by public transportation with direct connections to the Exhibition Centre).
Useful Tips:
Attending Drupa is not quite the same experience as attending a more traditional trade fair. For example, be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Does this advice seem trivial to you? Consider that the fair covers 160,000m2, which is equivalent to 16 hectares!
Please note that equipment suppliers and various providers are not grouped by typology. Sometimes, you may need to traverse several halls (out of the 18 comprising the fair) to find two similar companies offering solutions that interest you: all the more reason to plan your movements well in advance once you’re at the fair.
Where to Find Packitoo at drupa?
For this 2024 edition, we will be present at 2 partner booths throughout the duration of the fair (from May 28th to June 7th).
Packitoo at the BOBST booth (Hall 10 / B30-1 – B30-3).
Packitoo at the ESKO booth (Hall 8B / A12).
Drupa Anecdote | Do you know the 'Drupa Song'?
The ‘Drupa Song’ is a well-known tradition among regular attendees of the fair. It’s an unofficial anthem that captures the atmosphere 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 to foster a sense of community among participants. It can also serve as a rallying point and a source of entertainment during downtime between sessions and professional meetings.
The ‘Drupa Song’ is an example of how this trade fair is much more than just an exhibition; it’s also a celebration of the industry, innovation, and the dynamism of the people who comprise it.
A preview of the Drupa Song 2024 is provided below:
Drupa is much more than just a trade fair; it’s a showcase of the latest innovations in the printing and packaging industry. By carefully planning your visit and utilizing your time and available resources effectively (such as the official app), you can make the most of this essential event for industry professionals.