The SGIA Expo in Las Vegas welcomed more than 22,000 last month, making it the strongest show to date. Over 230,000 sq. ft. of floor space showcased the most innovative technologies in signage. “The SGIA Expo is the one place to see the full range of wide-format printing and imaging,” said Michael Robertson, SGIA President and CEO. “This year we saw a big increase in first-time attendees as wide-format expands to other printing and imaging sectors.” Highlighting the two-day event were its popular “Zones” including the Expert Advice Zone, Color Management, PDAA Graphics, Screen Printed Apparel Training, Industrial & Printed Electronics and others. SGIA’s focused educational sessions, networking events and Printed Electronics and Membrane Switch Symposium also drew excellent crowds.
Our choices for the best exhibits? Fujiflm showcased its inkjet technology for wide-format through the Inca Onset S40i, the new Acuity Advance Select, Acuity LED 1600, the super-wide format Uvistar Pro8 and various wide-format media applications via Fujifilm’s partnership with Visual Magnetics’ magnetic-receptive graphic system. Agfa Graphics featured an amazing “Six Strings Classic Blues Lounge” created almost entirely with inkjet. The Lounge promoted the company’s technical expertise in producing applications that combine its inkjet media portfolio and inkjet equipment. Honourable mention to Océ who featured its first fully integrated and automated large-format printing system based on Memjet technology, and to OKI Data Americas demonstration of the OKI pro920WT commercial grade tabloid/A3 digital printer with high-quality colour output – including white for textile transfers.
