An 11-day DRUPA from 2016 will maintain the current four-year cycle, organisers have agreed.
The new dates, from May 31 to June 10 include only one weekend.
The show’s 20 member committee is maintaining the status quo on frequency because of the international trade fair calendar built around it.
“Many innovative exhibitors and their successful customers would very much like a more frequent event,” says Printing and Paper Technology Association chairman Kai Büntemeyer.
Messe Düsseldorf chief executive Werner Matthias says visitor structure at the show has changed with fewer large groups and more B2B decision-makers. “This year, 78 per cent of international visitors and 52 per cent of German visitors came from top management – four and five per cent more than in 2008. This makes running over two weekends unnecessary,” he says.
“With 11 days – one weekend and nine working days – we perfectly cater to the needs of both supply and demand.”
KBA chief executive Claus Bolza-Schünemann was unanimously appointed chairman of DRUPA 2016, following a pattern from 1995, 2000, 2004 and 2008.
Jürgen Vutz, chief executive of Windmöller & Hölscher becomes vice chairman and chairman of the admissions committee, with Rolf Schwarz, president of the German Printing and Media Industries Federation as second vice chairman.
Five German trade associations are represented on the DRUPA committee.