drupa 2028 Draws Exhibitor Registrations from 38 Countries

21 October 2026: Messe Düsseldorf reported on 6 October 2026 that companies from 38 countries had registered for drupa 2028, scheduled for 09-17 May 2028 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The early bookings include major printing and packaging suppliers, indicating international participation ahead of the 31 October 2026 exhibitor registration deadline.

Who has registered for drupa 2028?

According to Messe Düsseldorf, registered companies include Comexi, Esko, Fujifilm, HEIDELBERG, Horizon, Konica Minolta, KYOCERA Document Solutions, LEONHARD KURZ, Line O Matic, UPG and Windmöller & Hölscher. The organiser lists Germany, China, Italy, India, Spain and Japan among the countries represented.

“The current booking figures, particularly the high level of international participation, send a strong signal from the market,” said Sabine Geldermann, Director drupa, Portfolio Print Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf. She said the registrations covered established technology suppliers, specialised solution providers and businesses working in emerging technology fields.

Dr. Andreas Pleßke, chairman of the drupa Committee, said automation, artificial intelligence and connected production processes were changing value chains. He argued that visitors need to assess technologies alongside their applications and markets, rather than view each innovation separately.

Industry responses accompanying the announcement also address collaboration. Richard Clemens, managing director of the VDMA Printing and Paper Technology Association, said the association would continue working with Messe Düsseldorf on drupa’s development. Markus Hoffmann, a board member at LEONHARD KURZ and chairman of the association, confirmed that KURZ planned to return in 2028 with its partners.

Connected production shapes the programme

Messe Düsseldorf plans to place greater emphasis on end-to-end solutions, automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, materials and the circular economy. Its stated focus is the integration of hardware, software, data and automated production processes into connected systems.

The organiser has built its new event concept around four experience clusters: grow, create, learn and play. These bring together business solutions, creativity, knowledge transfer and community activities. Brand owners, designers and creative businesses will receive greater attention alongside technology providers, print service providers and converters.

The fair’s new octopus brand identity and slogan, “dive into the unseen”, express this focus on connected technologies and applications.

Plans for the supporting programme include stages, interactive formats and knowledge-sharing sessions. Messe Düsseldorf also intends to give young professionals, start-ups and emerging technology companies more opportunities to meet established suppliers and international decision-makers. Further details of the programme and new formats are due in early 2027.

When does exhibitor registration close?

Exhibitor registration remains open until 31 October 2026, according to the organiser’s announcement. Companies that exhibited at drupa 2024 can use their existing login credentials, while first-time exhibitors can follow the online registration process step by step.

For businesses following printing and packaging markets before the exhibition, the drupa insights knowledge platform offers studies, market analyses and industry reports. The official platform page confirms that access requires a separate, free registration; an existing Messe Düsseldorf account alone does not provide access.