DigiMedia 2001 and Digital Solutions Centre 2001, scheduled to take place alongside each other from 20-22 June at the Messe Dsseldorf, have been cancelled after failing to attract enough exhibitors.


Messe Dsseldorf press officer Monica Kissing said only 50-60 companies had responded despite positive feedback about the change of concept from trade show to digital solutions centre to enable companies to present their systems.


"When it came to signing the contracts it did not happen," she added.


Kissing felt that the industrys failure to respond was down to the range of shows and events on offer.


"Companies are now deciding to spend money on their own roadshows and the large events such as Ipex and Drupa," she said.


The announcement follows last years decision by the Messe Dsseldorf to switch the Imprinta exhibition from 2002 to 2003 to avoid a clash of shows with Ipex (PrintWeek, 17 November 2000).


UK manufacturers have echoed the opinion that there are too many shows.


"People are picking and choosing the main shows and putting money into their own marketing events and exhibitions," said HighWater vice president of sales Peter Flynn.


"The way forward is getting a target-specific attendance, rather than the hope that someone may pass by your stand."


To replace the events, two conferences the print & media congress and the komm e-publishing congress will be held from 20-22 June at the Congress Centre in Dsseldorf. Both will be conducted in German.


Story by Andy Scott