Why Industrial Print Needs a New Kind of Event — Now

Back in 2015, industrial print was the bold new frontier. At the time, InPrint Munich captured a wave of promise and possibility. Fast forward a decade, and everything has changed.

We’re no longer in the age of potential—we’re in the age of pressure.

Today’s world is more complex, fragmented, uncertain and demanding than ever. Skills shortages, supply chain disruption, shifting buyer behaviours, and slower decision cycles are colliding with the urgent need for sustainability and digitisation. Yet, the event landscape still looks like it’s 2005.

Nowhere is this disconnect clearer than in the demise of the InPrint Show. Once a beacon of industrial print innovation, it lost relevance due to poor format evolution, minimal content leadership, and an outdated approach focused on past success rather than current need. With no digital continuity and little grasp of the sector’s direction, it became a cautionary tale: innovation-driven sectors can’t thrive in legacy frameworks.

Even the giant shows like Drupa, while impressive in scale, fall short for industrial print. It’s simply not designed for deep, sector-specific dialogue. Industrial print applications are broad, but its tech community is vertical, integrated, and complex—innovation gets lost in the noise of a 17-hall mega-show dominated by the bigger brands.

FuturePrint Industrial Print in Munich in January ‘26 is a new event format for a fast evolving tech & manufacturing sector

What we believe that the industrial print sector needs is strategic focus, not a generalised spectacle. Traditional trade shows have become less effective. A key factor driving this change is the shift in B2B buying behaviour. Today’s buyers seek digital insight first, make decisions collectively, and are more informed, cautious, and deliberate than ever. The days of using tradeshows to ‘shop around’ are largely over, and impulse decisions are increasingly rare. Add to this a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, where technology can offer solutions—but only if the right choices are made. To navigate this, buyers need focused information and reliable platforms to support decision-making. This is where FuturePrint proves its value—not just as a two-day event, but as an ongoing resource and strategic enabler.

Since 2020, FuturePrint has built a year-round ecosystem: 30,000 monthly engagements, online TV, 250+ podcasts, in-depth research, articles, events, and community-led initiatives. It’s not just a show—it’s a movement. Designed for ongoing engagement, trust, and collaboration, it’s helped redefine what a modern platform can be.

In our view, the timing for a new event couldn’t be more urgent. Technology is maturing—from inkjet to full system integration. Major markets like electronics, automotive, medtech, décor, and even defence are demanding innovation. Brands are pushing for digitisation, traceability, and measurable sustainability. Supply chains are shifting from global to regional. Industrial print is at an inflection point. If we don’t lead now, we risk being led—or worse, left behind.

That’s why, on 21–22 January 2026, we’re launching FuturePrint Industrial Print in Munich—a curated, senior-level, cross-sector event focused on real-world breakthroughs, not just branding and beautifully designed booths. Its purpose is to connect tech developers, software providers, engineers, brands, integrators, and strategic partners in meaningful, actionable ways.

This new event is designed to align with sector needs. Less exhausting in budget and energy, visitors can gain valuable learning and connections in a short time. Exhibitors won’t need to invest heavily in stand design or build.

The format is hybrid, featuring a dedicated innovation content programme visitors can dip in and out of, a technology lab showcase, and a networking hall with 50+ exhibiting companies. The schedule also includes guided tech tours, a ‘Great Innovation Awards Competition’, and networking events. The aim is to optimise connectivity—whether starting new conversations, gaining insight, or sparking ideas that solve problems or unlock new potential.

The attendee profile is two-fold. On one side, we’re targeting the tech sector—innovators and decision-makers who need the latest advancements to engineer the right machines for their industries. This includes leaders in R&D, production, and commercial roles. On the other, we’re engaging Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers in the industrial print supply chain, particularly those serving automotive, medtech, defence and other sectors that depend on advanced print technologies.

This event isn’t about scale and branding. It’s about revealing the latest innovations in chemistry, inkjet heads, engineering, curing, software, automation and expert consultancy—everything related to advanced digital and screen printing for manufacturing. More than that, it’s about defining the next decade—fostering collaboration, and giving industrial print the focused, future-facing platform it deserves.

So, if you care about the future of industrial print—this is your moment. Join us. Shape it with us. Munich is the launchpad. We hope to see you there.