Following the exits of major exhibitors like HP, FUJIFILM, EFI and others, two other leading players, viz. Canon and Ricoh, have decided not to exhibit at drupa 2021 for the same reasons—health and safety. However, both are looking forward to the ‘virtual platform’. In withdrawing from drupa 2021, both Ricoh and Canon expressed belief and admiration for the event, were it not for the COVID-19 pandemic. With the drupa virtual trade fair due for release next month, both are also considering this as a platform, along with their own in-house events.
In a statement, Mark Lawn, Director of Graphics and Communications, Canon Europe, has mentioned that drupa has always been an important date in the company’s diary and it has given them the platform to truly show the full breadth of Canon’s offerings. In the similar tone, Eef De Ridder, VP of Commercial & Industrial Printing, Ricoh Europe, said they are always highly valued the opportunities that drupa has brought to them over the years. After all, following their withdrawal from drupa 2021, their business is renewing its focus on developing increasingly effective virtual client communication via different channels in response to the continuing uncertainty arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
