Integrating Print: Graph Expo 2012

Graph Expo 2012 (graphexpo.com), branded as a one-stop shop for all things print, is set to blow into the Windy City October 7-10 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The event will showcase more than 450 exhibitors throughout the show’s specialty pavilions – including innovations in wide-format and package printing demonstrated across the show floor.

Its theme this year is “Print Integrated,” reflecting a focus on how to use technology to integrate print with other media to propel business forward and gain a competitive advantage in today’s economy.

“Today, with market forces changing so quickly, effective customer outreach is an ongoing experience that requires the integration of print with other media. Demonstrating this reality, Graph Expo has evolved to span the entire realm of print, online, and mobile communications,” says Debbie Veider, director of communications of the Graphics Arts Shhow Company (GASC), which produces the event.

The expo will feature the following segments: commercial/quick print; digital printing/transactional; future print; in-plant printers; marketing/creative pros; newspaper; package print & converting; post press/finishing/mailing; print/media buyers & brokers; and workflow/color. Also, a record 45 new and returning co-locating conferences, user-group meetings, and special events will be held in tandem with this year’s show. Some co-locators include: Agfa’s Apogee User Group, Dscoop (for HP users), EFI’s PrintStream Users Group, IdeaAlliance and IPA’s G7 Summit, NPTA Alliance Meeting, and the Xplor Conference, among others.

On the eve of the expo (October 6), the annual Executive Outlook – themed “Using Marketing and Technology to Innovate and Thrive” – will provide attendees with economic and marketing information, technological reports, and print trends and forecasts. A highlight of the Executive Outlook is the annual Must See ‘Ems program, which will showcase the most compelling exhibits and products chosen by a panel of industry experts and administered by Hal Hinderliter, principal of Hal Hinderliter Consulting Services. Two new recognitions have been added this year: the Best Of category award and the Legacy Award, which will salute one past Must See ‘Em award-winner whose technology or product has made a lasting impact on the printing industry. Plus, “Positively Print” awardees will also be announced: campaigns that creatively and effectively promote the enduring power of print in today’s media.

In addition, more than 50 seminars and workshops will span the interests of 12 diverse market segments and cover a broad range of subjects during the expo. Seminar topics will include: profitability, workflow, packaging, social media, lean manufacturing, sales management, UV curing, growth strategies, offset/digital integration, color management, advanced selling, SEO optimization, niche markets, production inkjet, and more.

Along with the full schedule of seminars, each day will offer a lunch session. Topics will include: “Your Digital Services Business Plan: A ‘How-to’ Guide to Marketing Success” (Sunday); “Follow the Money: Introducing the New World of Print Commerce” (Monday); and, “Profitable Prospecting: Captivating and Cultivating Today’s ‘New Breed’ Customer” (Tuesday).

“Many years ago, education options at the show were limited to ink-on-paper topics,” says Ralph Nappi, president of the GASC. “Our current seminar sessions reflect the expanded ‘print integrated’ nature of our businesses that today encompass print, online, and mobile. The education programs now provide an important variety of tactical and strategic learning opportunities that span the diverse segments of the graphic communications industry – and cover all aspects of the changing technologies that drive them.”

Times for Graph Expo 2012 are:
• Sunday, October 7: 12 – 5 p.m.
• Monday, October 8: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 9: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 10: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Exhibits-only registration costs $45 ($30 if before September7). Fees for educational seminars range begin $150 each ($125 if before September 7). A full-access pass (unlimited sessions plus exhibit floor) is $999 ($849 before September 7).

GRAPH EXPO
www.graphexpo.com