Print Tech Rocks the House at GRAPH EXPO 2011!

The theme of GRAPH EXPO 2011, “Embrace Technology,” perfectly captures the mantra for the graphic communications industry as we move forward in the 21st Century. Expect to be inspired: in this year's edition of the largest graphic communications trade show in North America, technology runs rampant throughout the show floor and within the 475 exhibits, giving you a front row seat to see, ‘test drive’ and purchase the most advanced hardware, software, supplies, and consumables available to bring profitability to your operation.

At a show of this magnitude the momentum seems to be contagious. The growing list of co-located events tied to GRAPH EXPO this week is a source of pride for event organizers at the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC). Some of the key co-locations include AIMCAL, AIMED, Dscoop, EFI’s PrintStream Users Group and EFI Connect Advisory Panel, IDEAlliance, IPMA, MindFire, Mogo Media, Print Buyers International, and Xplor. “I was blown away [this year],” admits Ralph Nappi, GASC President. There were 22 co-locations in 2010, “and we thought that was a lot.” Now it’s up to 34—up 50%—highlighted by the Chicago Chapter of the American Marketing Association, which is one of the largest AMA chapters. “I think this is an indication of how the show is viewed,” he adds. Three or four years ago, GRAPH EXPO didn’t even touch many of these segments.

“More so than ever before, this has become the place for individuals, in the broadest definition, to ‘be’ and assemble,” he observes. “There’s this transcendental feeling at this show, the core of which is reaching out.”

“Tech” them, and they will come

So, why have so many printers flocked to GRAPH EXPO this year and every year? Because all the great new “stuff” the industry has to offer is here, quite literally under one big roof. Take EFI (Booth 2000), for example: one of numerous exhibitors showcasing integrated product portfolios at the show and helping customers to expand their capabilities, increase productivity, and boost profits. In addition to its own booth, EFI’s suite of offerings also are on display in partner booths, including Agfa Graphics (Booth 1227), Canon (Booth 1213), Heidelberg (Booth 1200), Konica Minolta (Booth 2227), Ricoh (Booth 2600), and Xerox (Booth 400). All told, EFI is running more than 20 Fiery products on the show floor, demonstrating that Fiery technology still is among the industry’s most popular digital print workflows.

“GRAPH EXPO is a great opportunity for print providers of all sizes and specialties to learn about the latest technology available to help them grow, diversify, or streamline their operations,” says CEO Guy Gecht. “In the continued uncertain economic climate, EFI remains focused on the areas of print where the opportunities for profitable growth are real and significant. We look forward to demonstrating first-hand how our innovative, integrated solutions can help customers become successful in these growth areas.”