It’s the show where the global printing community convenes and where the game-changing devices of tomorrow get their first public airing.

As a result, FOMO was probably the single biggest draw the show boasted: anyone who’s anyone in print would clear their diary to prowl the sprawling halls on the hunt for something to give them a competitive edge (and be wined and dined by manufacturers and suppliers, natch).

But eight years is a long time, and a lot has changed – not least how we research, absorb and process information.

Equally, there are a lot of people working in print today that have never experienced a Drupa, beyond perhaps rolling their eyes and looking at their expensive trainers when a Drupa veteran explains “comfortable shoes” are the single most important accessory.

There’s no doubt it’s an incredibly important show for exhibiting manufacturers, just check out your rep’s expression when you ask how much the show costs.

However, the days of product development cycles being dictated by Drupa are long gone. That’s not to say there won’t be an abundance of new products on show, there definitely will, it’s just that they were going to be launched now anyway.

Equally, we’re all much more comfortable doing ‘desk’ research; keeping abreast of developments through the media, watching live-stream product demos and having detailed discovery meetings on screen.

So, is it still worth going? Absolutely. There’s nowhere else you will get to see so much technology side-by-side and there’s still an awful lot to be said for in-person events.

Is it still business critical to go? Maybe, maybe not.

So, while it will be super interesting to see the technology on display in Düsseldorf, what will be just as interesting is seeing who makes the trip.

And rest assured if you don’t go, Printweek is and we’ve got your FOMO covered.