On the heels of a successful Printing Survivor II event in September in Toronto, we were off to Chicago’s McCormick Place last month to visit Graph Expo. From talking with exhibitors and visitors and walking the floor, the show was absolutely superb – excellent venue as usual, stunning exhibits, great speakers and seminars from the experts on just about everything you could imagine that affects our industry. I was especially impressed with the large number of Canadian exhibitors this time as well as the positive, upbeat attitudes of both exhibitors and attendees. It seems that the current flat economy has not dampened the enthusiasm of the hard working people in the graphic arts industry.
The show met all expectations, according to Ralph Nappi, President of show organizer GASC (Graphic Arts Show Company), while drawing expanded audiences. A special thank you to Graph Expo’s Chris Price for his invaluable efforts and assistance. My staff and I have had the pleasure of working with this wonderful professional for a long, long time. Be sure to check our two page wrap-up with photos from the show on page 26.
We also visited The SGIA Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada last month. Business seemed to be booming as the show apparently shattered all previous attendance records when more that 22,000 showed up to explore over 400 exhibits. Signage and large-format are gaining popularity as new revenue streams for many printers, so I’m not surprised at the great turnout. Be sure to check our wrap-up on page 32.
Print World is November 17-19 at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto and we have a four page preview on page 17. Exhibitors are scheduled to display their products and technologies for the key shorter-run market – and some of our industry’s top people will be guest speakers. Be sure to stop by the Graphic Arts Magazine booth (#1241) and say hello. We’re always happy to renew old acquaintances and welcome new friends. We’ll also be having a free draw at the end of the show for a great gift.
At press time, our best friends south of the border were entering the final days of their presidential election with the stormy rhetoric from both sides reflecting the stormy weather of hurricane Sandy. No matter what happens, the winner will be in for another four years of hard work trying to reverse the effects of our economic tailspin. Whoever is in the Oval Office will need the understanding of ALL Americans. I sincerely hope he gets it.
Finally, as always, stay positive and stay focused.
