Drupa, considered to be the exhibition for the printing industry every four years, returned in July after an incredible eight-year hiatus due to its cancellation in 2020 and then again in 2021. Exhibitors like Ricoh embraced the pressure of such a reunion, focusing less on equipment and more on storytelling, a move that demonstrates how much trade show attendees and their preferences have evolved.

Despite a reported 35-percent drop in attendance at Drupa from its last show, reports indicate business was up. As commenters on this recap noted: “The quality of people at the show was high,” and “Numbers are down as there are less people in print and not everyone wants to travel. But the deals were happening and that’s what matters.”