Due to the ongoing effect of COVID-19 pandemic, Messe Düsseldorf has decided to reduce the duration of the next year’s drupa 2021 from 11 to 9 days. The show was earlier scheduled to be held from April 20-30. The decision to shorten the show has been made as a result of the requests from exhibitors facing trouble due to travel restrictions caused by the coronavirus crisis. Claus Bolza-Schünemann, president, drupa announced that they assume drupa 2021 would pull less overseas visitors, which is why they decided to shorten the runtime of the show. However, he mentions that nine days will still allow exhibitors to present their running machines, which is the unique feature of every edition of drupa.
A statement from Messe Düsseldorf mentions that the organizers have implemented new COVID-19-secure hygiene and infection protection concept at the fair ground. The Messe also said that currently approved space allocations would remain the same, but has asked exhibitors to supply any requests for changes by the end of August. It has also been announced that despite some big companies have cancelled their participation in the show due to corona alert, current booking status remains at a high level with over 1500 exhibitors. Sabine Geldermann, director, drupa, commented that their customers also see it as their own responsibility to strengthen the industry and provide important impulses personally on site. The new show dates of drupa 2021 are April 20-28.
