BY PETER EGWUATU

DESPITE the global economic downturn, the representative of Messe Dusseldorf , a Germany based firm, said arrangement has been concluded for the Drupa 2012 print media exhibition fair in which about 230,000 participants and visitors are expected.

Speaking at a forum on Tuesday to intimate Nigerians about the forth coming trade fair scheduled to hold from May 3-16, 2012 in Germany, Chairman of Trade Fair Services Limited, Mr. Augustus Itua, said, “ Drupa is representing a multitude of new solutions and countless innovations for print and media.

“As in the past, the Drupa innovation pact is synonymous with technology-driven solutions. In other words, IT specifically for the publishing industry. Here, there are many exciting solutions and applications that have big potential. Hall 7.0 will again be the hotspot, so to speak, for publishing IT.”

He noted that Drupa exhibition is the most important trade fair in the world, stressing that the new media is receiving public attention particularly from the younger ones.

According to him, “There are many advertisements through the internet, so the competition is very keen in the industry, as advertisers are turning to new media with less patronage in classical media.” Itua, disclosed that despite the coming up of new media, the print media still remain vibrant.

Supplier industries

According to him, “to overcome counterfeiting there is need for publishers to ensure that modern technology is embraced. Also, strong machine is needed for the packaging of products. Drupa is undisputedly the leading trade fair for the print media industry.

“For the supplier industries from all over the world, it is the most important venue for presenting current technologies and the latest innovations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every four years. But it is also a legend like no other trade fair in the industry

“Of course, a lot of hard work, a wealth of creativity, a profound understanding of the industry and high –power networking have contributed to the success that makes Drupa as a brand so unique and strong.”

Meanwhile, the target audience for the Drupa trade fair include: Publishers, Graphics, Printers, Photo and Print journalists, among others.

To avoid disappointment as a result of ill preparation , Itua said, “ Interested participants should start booking from now, saying, “ We at the Trade Fair Services is prepared to assist participants get VISA, Transportation, Hotel accommodation, Feeding etc. to make their stay in Germany enjoyable and successful”