First announced in September, the platform will feature a virtual conference, networking and exhibition and will go live at 9am GMT next Tuesday (27 October).

In the opening session, Sabine Geldermann, director of Drupa and Print Technologies will be joined by Markus Heering, managing director of the German Printing and Paper Technology Association (VDMA) and Christian Plenge, executive director Digital at Messe Düsseldorf, where they will unveil the new online offering and “address the current situation in the industry”.

In its statement, the Messe said Drupa Preview will provide a taster of the next live Drupa event with its three areas "Exhibition Space", "Conference Area" and "Networking Plaza".

“Exhibitors will present their companies and products, speakers will give insights into the Drupa agenda setting and visitors and exhibitors will already be able to interact and network. With this new digital offering, Drupa will provide the industry with continuous exchange and knowledge transfer,” the Messe stated.

The opening session will be followed by presentations from trade association ESMA and exhibitors including Leonhard Kurz, Manroland Goss Web Systems and Global Graphics.