EUROPE - Messe Düsseldorf has countered reports its printing industry trade show Drupa will move from a quadrennial to a triennial schedule.
The event, which is next due to take place in 2016, has been the subject of speculation in the printing industry following claims it will take place a year earlier in 2015.
“We are aware of speculation in the industry that the next Drupa will be staged in 2015,” said a spokesman. “Rumour and conjecture, however tenuous, gather pace very quickly and we urgently need to modify any notions which may have been inferred, or conclusions which may have been erroneously surmised.”
Drupa is discussing the date of the next show at a committee meeting on 2 November, with a decision being announced the following week. Drupa conceded the matter of changing it to a three-year cycle is on the table.
“The industry is aware we have been consulting with a selection of Drupa exhibitors and visitors on how the event may be developed to their benefit,” said the spokesman.
“One of the topics discussed was whether Drupa should be changed to a three-year-cycle. As you would expect, an issue as fundamental as this with far-reaching impact and profound implications has been treated with the utmost diligence.
“The process has not been rushed, nor will the decision be hasty or pressurised. We are currently examining the results of the study and it is our intention to announce the outcome of the consultations soon after the committee meeting.”
Drupa rival Ipex is investing £1m (US$1.59m) in an international hosted buyer programme for its quadrennial printing industry event in 2014.
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