Graph Expo a resounding success

“Graph Expo 2012 met our expectations in several ways,” said Ralph Nappi, President of show organizer GASC. “First, no matter how our industry and the economy have changed, people demonstrated by their attendance in Chicago the need for an industry event. They came to network, to learn and to buy. Drawing expanded audiences, this year we added our 12th successful industry segment – Photo Imaging. The introduction of The InPlant Place and Education Track drew crowds of attendees from corporate, government and educational print centers. Another highlight was the organizations that continue to co-locate their events at our show. Only two years ago we had 22, last year there were 34, and this year we welcomed 48. Attendees have recognized the change in our industry, they are now ready to invest, and they understand that things will get better – although differently,” he added.

Here are some brief, selected highlights and comments from some Canadian exhibitors at the show.

Enviro Image Solutions (EIS), the printing blanket rejuvenation specialists, was proud that no less than 12 of its customers took home an impressive 15 of the “2012 Best of Category” Benny Awards (the “Oscars” of the printing industry). EIS showed how its customers saved thousands of dollars annually while maintaining their bottom line and helping the environment. Every time a printing blanket is rejuvenated, up to 70% of the cost of a new blanket is saved and one blanket is kept out of a landfill. EIS’ booth was also a huge hit with sheetfed printers and the media.

“Graph Expo was a tremendous success for us. We secured more sales and added three dealers to our network, while managing to show some key people our new breakthrough Ink Fountain Liner product.”

John Soppit, Sajo Technologies Inc.

“Graph Expo was a great opportunity to show more automated banding solutions to customers. The trend towards banded products in finishing has now become an industry standard. Today, Canadian printers and their customers expect the quality of banded products.”

Martin Reist, National Sales Manager,
ATS-Tanner Banding Systems Inc.

“The show was just fantastic for us. We rated it 5 stars out of 5. It was the ideal event to showcase our groundbreaking new Fountain Solution monitoring technology. The high level of interest from existing customers as well as serious new prospects has already made it our most successful show ever.”

Marc Guerette, Graphic Arts Division, Metafix Inc.