HP has joined the growing list of companies not taking part in drupa 2021. The company’s decision comes hot on the heels of the news that Kodak and Fujifilm will also not be exhibiting at next year’s rearranged exhibition.
A statement from HP read, ‘In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, health and safety of our employees and customers remains our highest priority and therefore HP will not have a physical presence at Interpack and drupa 2021.’
The company was expected to be the biggest exhibitor at the rescheduled event, occupying the entirety of the 8300sqm Hall 17 at Messe Düsseldorf.
Regarding Kodak’s decision not to participate, executive chairman Jim Continenza commented, ‘Kodak’s commitment to the safety of our employees and customers during the Covid-19 pandemic is paramount. The continued concerns and impacts of the pandemic make it difficult for us to commit resources for such an event in these uncertain times.’
A statement from Fujifilm added, ‘Under the circumstances where Covid-19 has become a global epidemic and the spread of infection has not yet come to an end, Fujifilm has made this decision of withdrawal from these exhibitions as a result of giving top priority to ensuring the health and safety of all visitors and employees.’
The three companies are the latest big names to withdraw from the event, following in the footsteps of Bobst, Heidelberg, Komori, Screen and Siegwerk. It remains to be seen what effect these decisions will have on the event, and the wider industry, though you can read Michael Walker’s speculation here.
Those who have reaffirmed their commitment to drupa 2021 include Koenig & Bauer and Landa, albeit the latter with an explicit caveat about ensuring the health of employees and customers.
The rearranged event is scheduled for 20-28 April, 2021, although starting in October, drupa will be making an online portal available to exhibitors and visitors.
