Graph Expo 14 Conference Program Offers Special Feature Presentation Set to Reveal "The Future of the American Printer"

GRAPH EXPO 14, coming together with the co-located CPP EXPO show, September 28 – October 1, 2014 to Chicago's McCormick Place, will offer print professionals in each of 12 key industry segments more than 50 seminars covering a broad range of essential knowledge topics. Promising to be a highlight of this year's education program is the special feature presentation titled, “The Future of the American Printer,” to be held on Sunday, September 28, from 12:15 pm – 3:30 pm, led by RIT Professor Emeritus and industry sage, Frank Romano.

In this new feature presentation, participants will gain a keen understanding of today's economy, the state of technology, the future of commercial printing, and why business should be kept in, or returned to America if presently offshore. This “tell it like it is” session is designed for leaders throughout the graphic communication supply channel: service providers-such as commercial printers, specialty printers, packaging companies; content creators-such as advertising agencies, design studios, marketing companies, print buyers; software and hardware developers; equipment manufacturers; and, dealers and vendors.

“Get set for an eye-opening update on the current status of the North American printing business and its probable future. Consider that half of all print volume is gone and so are half the printers, paper tonnage, graphic arts media, and even consultants, I will preview for participants the 'new world' of printing, including where the printing business is and evolving opportunities, and where it will be in the next decade,” says Frank Romano.

Most importantly, the timely session will address how to maximize opportunities in existing markets, and how to find and develop new markets in North America.

The two-part “feature presentation” consists of a Part 1 seminar and a Part 2 panel discussion that together will update participants on the vital information they need to make informed decisions about how to best navigate their businesses in a changing economy and world.

The Part I – Seminar (session K1) from 12:15 pm – 1:45 pm will cover: how the last decade has forever changed print; the new business of print; who will still need print; what printed products will they need; the new competition, and evolving new opportunities.

The Part 2 – Panel (session R5) from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm will welcome an all-star panel moderated by Frank Romano featuring some of the industry's most critical thinkers: Twyla Cummings, Sr. Assoc. Dean, RIT College of Imaging Arts & Sciences; Jim Hamilton, Group Director, InfoTrends; Michael Murphy, President, Japs-Olson Co.; and, Richard Romano, RichText & Graphics.

“This session will go beyond just identifying the challenges,” notes Ralph Nappi, GASC President. “Attendees and exhibitors alike will gain important 'best practice' guidance for conveying to current and prospective customers the real value of doing business with American printers and vendors.”

The GRAPH EXPO 14 Seminar Program was developed in cooperation with GASC by the Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly (GrCI). This year's lineup provides specialty interest sessions divided into 11 tracks: Business/Executive, Commercial Printing, Design/Creative Pro, Future Print, In-plant/Transactional, Mailing and Fulfillment, Marketing/Sales, Non-Print/Digital Imaging, Packaging Graphics and Printing, Wide Format, plus an InfoTrends Track.

For complete information about GRAPH EXPO 14 seminars and to register for the show, visit: www.graphexpo.com.

About GRAPH EXPO 14
Recognized as the most innovative and comprehensive exhibition in the Americas of inkjet, digital, offset, flexo, gravure and hybrid technologies, products, and services for the commercial, transactional, converting and package printing, publishing, mailing, in-plant, photo imaging, marketing, and industrial printing industries, this year's “Integrate” themed GRAPH EXPO 14 offers an exciting show-going experience for a diverse spectrum of attendees. The industry event presents the latest graphic communications technologies in live equipment demonstrations across the exhibition floor, plus education on the most in-demand products and newest profit-making opportunities. GRAPH EXPO 14 offers more than 70 interactive learning sessions and 50+ co-located events for attendees across 12 key market segments. For additional information about GRAPH EXPO 14, visit: www.GraphExpo.com.