The 2018 SGIA Expo : Preparing You for the Future of Printing
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The 2018 SGIA Expo : Preparing You for the Future of Printing
Fairfax , Virginia — The printing industry is changing faster than ever before , and as it does , the 2018 SGIA Expo ( Las Vegas Convention Center , October 18 – 20 ) will help you plan for what ’ s ahead and make the best decisions for your business .
" Every day we see new innovations that are changing the way we do things in printing , and the SGIA Expo brings the industry together to prepare for what ' s on the horizon ," said Ford Bowers , president and CEO , Specialty Graphic Imaging Association ( SGIA ).
Robust educational program and networking opportunities will give attendees insight into the latest trends and innovations in commercial printing , and the expansive show floor will show them in action .
The Show Floor
The show floor will be wall-to-wall with the latest and greatest machinery , applications and consumables , created by experts who are responding to change with cutting-edge innovations .
" We ’ ve filled over 273,000 net square feet of booth space with more than 550 exhibitors . The 2018 SGIA Expo will be buzzing with excitement ,” said Lexy Olisko , Vice President of Expositions , SGIA .
Among the exhibiting companies are 3M Commercial Graphics , Agfa Graphics , Durst US , EFI , FUJIFILM North America Corp . Graphic Systems Division , GSG , HP Inc ., INX International Ink Co , Kornit Digital , Lexjet , Marabu North America LP , Media One Digital Imaging Solutions , Mimaki USA Inc ., Oki Data Americas , Piedmont Plastic , Top Value Fabrics and Ultraflex Systems Inc .
Walk the show floor and see first-hand what new technologies are being introduced , and learn from the manufacturers what these offerings say about the future of printing – and your business .
Educating the Industry
The SGIA Expo complements its vast array of exhibitor offerings with an extensive educational program . This year ’ s show features 72 sessions that will spotlight needto-know topic areas including graphics , technology , business management and production .
“ This year ’ s educational programming taps the knowledge of dozens of industry experts , and provides attendees numerous opportunities to learn from exhibitors , print providers and industry consultants ,” said Dan Marx , director of content development , SGIA . “ Given the breadth of the programming , and the flexibility of the Expo + Education pass , attendees can craft their own experiences to meet the specific needs of their businesses .”
Sessions will be held throughout all three days of the show , and will cover a variety of topics including :
• Discovering the Unlimited Possibilities of Digital Print : Thermoforming and Beyond , Mike Plier , EFI .
• Brand Color Production – Standards , Management and Consistency , Don Schroeder , FUJIFILM North American Corporation Graphic Systems Division .
• Soft Signage is Everywhere ! Grasp the Possibilities !, Mike Wozny , EFI
• Inkjet UV Printing : Your Entry Ticket to New Applications and Markets , Reinhilde Alaert , Agfa Graphics .
To sit in on the sessions , attendees should obtain an Expo + Education Pass , which gives them access to the full conference educational program . The Expo + Education Pass is free to SGIA members with registration , and $ 99 for non-members ($ 115 starting September 19 ).
This year ’ s show also offers two half-day education sessions the afternoon before the show opens . Essential Small Business Strategies and Wide Format 101 : Essential Skills for Success take place on Wednesday , October 17 , from 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm , and will provide thought-provoking presentations from a panel of experts .
Engage and Learn
A collection of special events round out the Expo experience with a blend of education and networking to promote learning through interaction with fellow attendees . The networking opportunities at this year ’ s show include :
• Brands Talking Sustainability Luncheon ( Thursday , October 18 , 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm ): Discuss sustainability efforts , goals and objectives and network to discover new ways to engage your customer base on sustainability-related issues .
• Opening Night Party ( Thursday , October 18 , 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm ): Celebrate the SGIA Expo at TAO Las Vegas and enjoy drinks and snacks while you engage with your peers .
• Women in Print Breakfast ( Friday , October 19 , 7:30 am - 9:00 am ): Join the Women in Print Alliance for a morning of connection and education , and share your work experiences with other women in the industry .
Tickets to special events including the half-day extended sessions can be purchased during the registration process ; they are not included in the Expo + Education pass .
The 2018 SGIA Expo will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center , October 18 – 20 , and registration is free through September 19 . Register and learn more at sgia . org / expo .
20 | September 2018 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE graphicartsmag . com