Canada’s largest and longest-running showcase for the graphic communications and printing industry will take place April 6-8, 2017 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. The biennial event, now in its 53rd year, features educational conferences, sponsored pavilions, workshops and other co-located events. In short, Graphics Canada will cover just about every conceivable aspect of our vibrant industry that you can imagine. There are also several new areas of potential growth and excellent opportunities for printers – including smart labels, intelligent packaging, security printing, printable electronics, 3D printing, inkjet applications, other specialty graphics and industrial printing. Here, I’ve selected five events that are part of an exceptional conference program.
IntelliPACK will present Smart Packaging Systems and Printed Electronics Workshops. Smart Packaging and Interactive Displays will see leading brand owners and technology experts share intelligent and smart packaging systems and solutions technologies. This will include applications for wine and spirits, electronics, foods and beverages, luxury, health and beauty, apparel, pharmaceuticals and other high-value-added products – such as products that help extend shelf life, monitor freshness, display information, and help improve safety, security and convenience. The Printable Electronics for Smart Packaging and Interactive Displays seminars will see leading technical and manufacturing professionals provide an overview of technology and equipment for smart packaging and building blocks with a technical and manufacturing focus. Printing and packaging companies will share intelligent and smart packaging systems that help protect brands and create new revenue generation for companies.
Label Forum Canada is a must-attend for commercial and trade printers looking at moving into label and package printing, as well as existing label and package printers and converters. Topics covered will include identifying opportunities for commercial printers in label and package printing, which label technologies to explore, what equipment you’ll need, and where to find it. Expert speakers will update North American and global market trends by sector (labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging) and discuss macroeconomic trends and product innovations in North America and around the world. There’ll also be converter and digital printing panel discussions along with a close look at the latest niche technologies and new industry applications. Other topics explored will be pre-press software, automation in flexo printing, UV curing technologies, low migration inks, variables affecting colour consistency, materials, print processes and inks, and much more.
G7 Summit on Colour Management is another must-attend event. There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required. With over 1,100 printers qualified in its G7 Master program from 17 countries around the world, IDEAlliance G7 methodology is currently being used by the world’s leading printers to ensure that they provide their clients with a consistent proof-to-press colour match. The summit will provide the latest developments in G7 methods and proven best practices in print production. Our industry’s most experienced technology and process experts will share valuable insights and instruction, designed for both G7 novices and experienced pre-media and print production professionals. The agenda will include: G7 101 For Every Print Medium (The Methodology That Transcends all Print); The Trajectory: GRACoL – XCMYK – Expanded Gamut; Schmoo: G7 for Spot Colours – how it works, why it works and how to do it; BrandQ: Communication and Certification in the Packaging Supply Chain; the 4th Industrial Revolution – Inkjet, Industrial, Specialty, and Dye Sublimation; G7 Certification Programs specifically for attendees; Idealliance – The Think Tank; and more.
Innovations Theatre by Print Media Centr will include Print Techs and Trends You Cannot Ignore! This panel will focus on just-launched and upcoming technology and provide thought leadership into where various industry segments are headed. The Print Smart: Evaluating Tools for Saving Time and Money panel will focus on tips and best practices for printers to assess their workflows, and processes to find the right solutions for their business. Other sessions will discuss: Post-Press Success – Winning with Finishing; Print Ninja Warrior – Adapting to the new Game (focusing on the state of the industry, the equipment and technology driving unique print applications, and how printers can stay strong and survive.); Optimize Prime: Transforming Your Workflow; 50 Shades of YAY! (colour management, paper and digital print); Living Large – Penthouse Possibilities with Wide Format; and Breach is the New Black – Privacy, Data and the Cloud (focusing on helping printers understand how to protect their customers and their data by sharing best practices, tools and tips).
Printing Sales Training Day. This year’s event is made up of two half-day seminar programs that can be combined into a full day of learning. The morning session is all about solid fundamentals – a must for entry-level and intermediate-level salespeople. The afternoon program will present advanced selling skills that will take experienced salespeople to the next level. Experienced salespeople may also benefit from a refresher course on the fundamentals, and entry-level and intermediate-level salespeople should benefit from exposure to next-level selling skills. These programs relate to every segment of the printing and graphic arts industry – including offset, digital, packaging, labels, large format, signage and specialty graphics. They’ll be presented by printing sales expert Dave Fellman.
Hopefully I’ll see you at the show. And please stop by our booth (5662), sign up for our free printed monthly magazine, and enter a free draw for a pair of Toronto Maple Leaf playoff tickets (Yes! Playoff tickets!)
– Tony Curcio, Editor
Canada’s largest printing industry tradeshow starts tomorrow – and we’ll see you there
