Shift 2026: Heidelberg showcases the future of the printing industry through use of AI and digital printing
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Print Solutions
Following last year’s successful premiere, Heidelberg is once again inviting the international printing industry to Shift 2026. The two day event will take place on October 6, 2026, at halle02 in the city of Heidelberg, and on October 7, 2026, at the company’s ‘Home of Print’ in Wiesloch-Walldorf, Germany. The focus will be on the digital transformation of the printing industry, automated production processes, robotics, end to end digital printing innovations featuring the Jetfire 50 and Jetfire 75, and the continued integration of artificial intelligence into modern print shops.
With its very first edition, Shift has already established itself as the international Heidelberg forum for process digitisation and AI driven hybrid print production combining digital and offset printing. The event concept combines inspiring presentations, real world user case studies, and networking opportunities, and is aimed at CEOs, executives, and decision makers in printing companies, as well as digitization experts from around the world.
The first day of the event will focus on key industry trends and challenges. International speakers from printing and technology companies, as well as consulting firms, will provide practical insights into successful process digitisation projects. Planned presentations include topics such as data driven production, workflow automation, hybrid printing environments, robotics, and the use of artificial intelligence in business and production processes. In addition, several Heidelberg customers will present their experiences with implementing digital transformation projects, including Meinders & Elstermann. The company is one of the pilot users of Prinect Touch Free in conjunction with the Jetfire 50 industrial digital printing system and will report on its experience implementing the new workflow and on the efficiency gains that have already been achieved.
On the second day of the event, participants will experience the digitisation of print production live at the Print Media Centre. The focus will be on industrial digital printing applications using the Jetfire 50 with inline finishing and the Jetfire 75, both controlled by Prinect Touch Free, as well as intelligent post press processing, data analytics, and automation concepts for fully integrated hybrid production combining digital and offset printing. The programme will be complemented by live demonstrations, breakout sessions, and presentations by partner companies.
‘Without digitalisation, automation, and artificial intelligence, sustainable economic success in the printing industry will be virtually impossible in the future. Companies that consistently invest in these technologies today will secure decisive competitive advantages. Shift 2026 uses concrete, real world examples to illustrate how this transformation can be successfully implemented,’ said Dr David Schmedding, CSO at Heidelberg. ‘Visitors will also gain valuable insights, new perspectives, and the opportunity to exchange ideas with leading industry experts.’
Those interested can find further information and the registration form at:
