An interview with Werner M. Dornscheidt, board chairman, Messe Düsseldorf

Q: There are indications that drupa 2008 will surpass the record-breaking 2000 show. In what respects?
Dornscheidt: Since the closing date for exhibitor applications, it has been clear that drupa 2008 will be the largest yet. The exhibition grounds are totally booked, with 170,000 square meters of show space and 1,800 exhibitors. For an idea of the total show space, just imagine an area the size of about 40 soccer fields. We expect 400,000 visitors, with more than 50 percent from outside of Germany.

Q: When will the final number of exhibitors be known?
Dornscheidt: We know that the current figure of 1,800 will increase, partly because a lot of exhibitors are combined in applications from the Ministries of Economic Affairs of individual countries. They won’t be listed as separate exhibitors until the building layouts have been finalized. We can’t announce the actual number until September 2007.

Q: What will be different about the layout and exhibitors at drupa 2008?
Dornscheidt: We want drupa to be as clearly structured and visitor-friendly as possible. The halls presenting “Digital Solutions” play a key role in this context. This area has been expanded since drupa 2004. Hall 8a and the new Hall 8b, as well as the adjacent Halls 5 and 9, are primarily reserved for exhibitors from this field.

Q: The growth of digital technologies is a central theme, so can drupa still be referred to as a print trade fair?
Dornscheidt: More than ever, because people are printing more than ever. Digital solutions couldn’t exist without conventional print methods. drupa presents the interaction and co-existence of these technologies, by showing the complete range of products and the entire added-value chain, from design to the finished print product.

Q: What impression do you want visitors to have of drupa 2008?
Dornscheidt: We want them to feel as if they’ve participated in the Olympics of the print and media industry!

(For the entire interview with Dornscheidt, visit www.packageprinting.com.)