Canada’s largest printing industry tradeshow ready to rock
Canada’s largest and longest-running showcase for the graphic communications and printing industries 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. These will include the G7 Summit on Colour Management organized by IDEAlliance, intelliPACK Pavilion & Workshops from the Packaging Association of Canada (PAC) and the Canadian Printable Electronics Association (CPEIA), Label Forum by LabelExpo and Labels & Labeling magazine, Printing Sales Training Day with Dave Fellman, the Innovations Theatre presented by the Print Media Centr and social media expert Deborah Corn, the Dye-Sublimation Zone, Graphics Software Theatre, Materials/Substrates and Consumables Area, Future of Print and Digital Print Panels, and much, much more.
Potential growth opportunities
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. At press time, the main exhibit hall was close to being sold out and many major OEMs have returned to reveal their latest equipment, technology and services.
New products at every turn
I have yet to attend any industry tradeshow where new products haven’t captured my attention and fascination. This year’s Graphic Canada will be no exception. At press time, dozens of new and upgraded equipment, software and services from some of the world’s best OEMs were scheduled to arrive on the show floor. But you’d also be wise to check individual booths for new-product brochures, videos and more news about future rollouts.
As it would take our entire magazine and more to cover all that’s happening at this year’s show, I’ve selected five events that are part of an exceptional conference program this year.
Exciting educational opportunities
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 will 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 prepress 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 premedia 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 as to 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.
Stay tuned: Much more to come
“As you’re reading this, we’re continuing to add new exhibitors, new products and technology, more seminars and other features,” said Show Manager Dan Mustata. “So please be sure to check our website for ongoing updates.” You’ll also see regular show updates and other announcements on the Graphic Arts Magazine website, www.graphicartsmag.com. Our printed May issue will also include a wrap-up of this year’s tradeshow.
For free show admission compliments of Graphic Arts Magazine, please use online code GAM171. For more information and to register for specific events, please visit www.graphicscanada.com. For exhibitor information e-mail Show Manager Dan Mustata: danmustata@graphicscanada.com.
Our personal picks
4over (Booth 5644)
The largest trade printer in North America prides itself on “equipping customers with the tools to compete and prosper in the marketplace”. Its production facility in Mississauga allows 4over to fulfill orders quickly by printing and shipping locally. Notable products highlighted include textured Suede Cards, Roll With It full-colour roll labels with a permanent adhesive, and The Digital Age first-class-style digital colour and B&W envelopes.
Agfa Graphics Canada (Booth 5512)
Agfa will demo two of its newest UV inkjet printers, including the eco-friendly Jeti Ceres RTR3200 LED with state-of-the-art, air-cooled LED UV curing for mid-end to high-end applications at speeds up to 186 m²/hr. Also showcased will be the 3.2 metre-wide hybrid Anapurna H3200i LED for sign shops, digital printers, photo labs and mid-size graphic screen printers. Agfa Graphics Canada is located in Mississauga, ON.
All Graphic Supplies (Booth 5534)
If you’re looking to build or add a successful sign making or wide format digital imaging business, then this booth is a must-visit. It supplies and services sign-making equipment, wide format and digital printers, cutters, laminators, finishing equipment and more. It’s also an authorized dealer for some of the world’s top OEMs. The Mississauga-based company has locations across Canada.
Amazing Print Tech (Booth 5147)
The Canadian web-to-print pioneer will present web-to-print storefront technologies covering B2C/retail, B2B/corporate, websites, estimators, and popular content management system plug-in technologies that help printers sell more print online. Its website (www.amazingprint.com) also offers the largest library of pre-made templates. Be sure to get guides on cloud automation by Dr. Joe Webb and print sales by Dave Fellman, co-written with Amazing Print CEO Slava Apel.
Avanti Computer Systems (Booth 5720)
Avanti helps printers deliver more jobs in dramatically less time, because every aspect of your shop is integrated into one powerful platform. Avanti Slingshot’s JDF-certified, cloud-based Print MIS connects islands of automation and easily eliminates breakpoints and touchpoints in your workflow. From order entry to production and billing, Avanti Slingshot enables you to work more efficiently, control your costs and move jobs through your shop without costly, time-consuming delays.
Bard Business Solutions (Booth 5620)
Bard Business Solutions has been providing customized database solutions since 1995. Its products are ideal for companies who need the accurate processing of information on a daily basis. Enter data once and use it many times. Error-prone paper processes are eliminated through seamless, integrated connectivity. Its management software products are designed specifically for the printing and publishing industries. Users organize and manage their complete shop processes from one program while keeping in touch with clients and attracting new business.
Canon Canada (Booths 5200 and 5222)
Canon will feature various systems for both the display graphics as well as the production printing markets. Canon has the largest display at this year’s show spanning 4500 square feet. Some of the featured equipment includes the: Océ VarioPrint 6320, Canon ImagePress C10000, Canon ImagePress C850, Canon ImagePress C750, Canon imageRunner Advance C7500, Océ ColorWave 910, Océ ColorWave 700, Océ Arizona 2200 Series, Océ ProCut and the Canon ImagePrograf Pro Series including the Pro-1000, Pro-4000 and Pro-6000S.
Epson Canada (Booth 5022)
Epson will be showcasing several new products including the SureColor P5000, SureColor P20000 and ColorWorks C7500G. The 64” SC-P20000 combines new super-fast printing speeds with superior photo quality and is ideal for high-volume production. It can create large format POS, short-term outdoor and interior signage, exhibition and display graphics, promotional graphics and photographs up to 2400 dpi x 1200 dpi. This is coupled with high-precision media feed technology (including a camera-based paper feed stabilizer and media inductive roller system) to operate smoothly, even when unattended.
GBC Canada (Booth 5422)
GBC is a leader in document finishing by partnering with top OEMs including Duplo, Graphic Whizard and Ideal MBM. Products on display include the Seal 62 Base Laminator, GBC Magnapunch Pro and GBC Catena 65 Roll Laminator. The Catena 65 mounts jobs up to 27” wide. Plus, its increased ¼” mounting gap ensures that mounting to foamcore is quick and frustration-free. Equipped with new features (including an open design, pivoting table, AutoSpeed and programmable presets) it’s now much easier to operate – even for first-time users.
GMG Color (Booth 5144)
GMG will highlight GMG OpenColor, enabling accurate proof simulation of the overprinting effects of spot colours. Results are so reliable that profile iterations are no longer necessary. GMG ColorServer provides fully automated colour conversions, guaranteeing consistent results for a variety of printing processes and substrates. Cansel (Booth 2008) will show PrintFactory powered by GMG – a complete production workflow software suite for banner, sign and wide format printing.
Graphic Arts Magazine (Booth 5662)
Since 1997 we’ve provided in-depth coverage of the printing industry in Canada. Published ten times a year and mailed to 10,500 across Canada, our CMCA-audited publication has a readership of over 40,000 and is complemented by a weekly e-newsletter that goes to over 8,700 subscribers. Our website (www.graphicartsmag.com), which now has over 30,000 unique monthly visitors and posts news items by 7 am every day, is where you can subscribe to our free print and digital editions as well as our free weekly e-newsletter. Please stop by our booth, sign up for our free printed magazine, and enter a free draw for a fabulous prize.
Hans Shinohara Canada (Booth 5616)
The exclusive dealer for Gronhi, Shinohara and New Bind products in Canada will be showcasing presses and finishing equipment. Check out its sheetfed Laser Die Cutter LC340S for short runs, customs shapes and fast turnover times, as well as its PUR perfect binder and other book-finishing equipment. The technology helps printers enter more markets including high-end labels, packaging, gifts and more.
HP (Booth 5034)
HP will be showcasing several products. I suggest you check out two in particular. The HP Latex 1500 printer allows wider application versatility and higher profit potential than eco-solvent. Users can choose from a wide range of flexible coated and uncoated materials while expanding from vinyls and banners to films, papers, textiles, canvas, wallpaper and more. The ultra-fast HP PageWide XL 8000 printer features large format B&W and colour printing with up to 50% savings in production costs. It’s ideal for map and POS poster printing.
Insource (Booth 5456)
Insource will showcase its state-of-the-art products and videos highlighting its vendors worldwide. Demos will include an Insource IQ System Integration featuring a matchmate camera system, Kirk Rudy-Phoenix Inkjet System, affixer, tabber/clip sealer, refurbished equipment, Norpak high-speed inserter with Kirk-Rudy 319 Inkjet System, AstroJet M-Series Printer, Petratto folder/gluer and more. It’ll also be introducing its new vendor partnership with Microplex Printware showcasing the Logitech TC8 two-colour Thermal Transfer printer. Partners Riso and Therm-O-Type will also be on-site.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Canada (Booth 5000)
Under the theme Changing the Face of Digital Print, empowers customers to create new business opportunities. Don’t miss demos of digital innovations including the unveiling of the AccurioPress C2070, and be sure to check out the AccurioJet KM-1, MGI Meteor Unlimited, Konica Minolta bizhub Press C71cf, and the groundbreaking MGI JETvarnish 3DS with iFoil. Its disruptive finishing technology can print 100% digital spot UV coating, 3D embossing and hot foil stamping in one pass. Be sure to ask for Konica Minolta’s “Create Impact” piece highlighting these effects.
Maxmedia Graphic Supplies (Booth 5005)
Maxmedia will be featuring its wide range of wide format imaging supplies including aqueous inkjet media, latex/eco-sol/solvent and UV-curable printer media, low-cost premium quality third-party dye, UV, eco-sol and solvent inks, pressure-sensitive laminating and mounting films, banner stands and tradeshow displays, and much more.
Mimaki (Booth 5168)
Mimaki will be showcasing a number of products with emphasis on UV-LED technology. On display will be the UJV55-320 UV super wide roll-based printer, the JFX200-2513 UV flatbed printer and the UJF-6042 MkII UV tabletop printer. The CJV300-160 eco-solvent cut-and-print device will also be on display, as well as a digital textile printer.
MPI Print (Booth 5708)
MPI Print is a trade print specialist based in Concord, ON. It specializes in high-volume sheetfed and web printing with a small arsenal of digital print capabilities. MPI features one of the largest trade sheetfed divisions in Canada. In 2014, it invested $12 million in a second print facility in Mississauga that currently houses its fully automated KBA 32-page web press as well as its newest sheetfed press – a 40” Mitsubishi UV. The company also has one of the largest trade binderies in the country.
Mutoh America (Booth 5352)
Mutoh, a leading manufacturer of wide format printers and plotting cutters, will feature its renowned line of ValueJet wide format printers known for their speed, quality and smart printing technologies. Regardless of your application – banners, car wraps, custom apparel, promotional items, tradeshow graphics and more – Mutoh has a printer to fit your needs and budget.
PressWise by SmartSoft (Booth 5344)
SmartSoft will be demonstrating a number of new features and enhancements to its all-in-one print MIS, web-to-print and workflow automation software These include enhancements to its estimating and imposition engines, purchase-order functionality, obtaining of an SSL certificate from its Let’s Encrypt software with just a few clicks, inventory/stock purchase enhancements, manual adjustments, an add-on for Single Sign On (SSO) security, and new customer-centric report functions.
Print Digital Services (Booth 5434)
PDS will showcase technology from Duplo, Multigraf, OKI, Mutoh and Ideal MBM. PDS was recently named exclusive master distributor of Multigraf AG and its line of creasers, stop perforation and folding equipment marketed under the Touchline Series. Highlighted will be Duplo’s 616 Pro creasing, slitting and cutting technology, the new 516 capable of creasing 100 sheets per minute, the new OKI Xpress 942 (a CMYK + white printer), Triumph Cutters from Ideal MBM, and wide-format printers from Mutoh.
Printer’s Parts & Equipment (Booth 5169)
For over 45 years, Printer’s Parts & Equipment has been selling bindery and finishing equipment to large and small print houses and to end users. Its 50,000+ square feet of storage space, maintains a large inventory of used offset, finishing and bindery equipment that are inspected and cleaned upon arrival. The company now offers the new Xante Impressia Envelope Printer as well as Roland DG’s TrueVIS SG/VG Series of print/cut inkjet and Eco-UV printers, as well as parts, accessories and inks.
Ricoh Canada (Booth 5300)
Ricoh is introducing several solutions including the Special Colour for the Ricoh Pro C7100 X Series – its first 5-station digital colour production print system with the ability to print using clear, white, and now Neon Yellow Toner. The Ricoh Pro C5200 Series of digital MFPs combines fast speeds with intuitive controls and can handle a wide range of media. Also check out the new Ricoh Pro 8200 Series of B&W multi-function production systems that provide image quality at reliable high speeds. Also featured will be complete end-to-end document production systems and a full suite of finishing options.
SinaLite (Booth 5604)
SinaLite is a leading wholesale printer catering exclusively to trade customers and resellers. It offers a full range of marketing products at exclusive trade prices across North America. Maintaining its focus on exceptional customer service, it continues to provide customers with innovative print solutions, high quality products, competitive pricing and quick turnarounds. Learn more about its newest products and marketing resources that help resellers increase profits.
Sydney Stone (Booth 5400)
Sydney Stone print finishing specialists will be showing a full suite of finishing equipment and supplies. Canadian first showings include the Duplo Spot UV Coater producing raised and dimensional UV effects digitally, the Morgana DigiFold Pro 385 folder/creaser for heavyweight or cross-grained stock, special Polar Mohr 111th Anniversary pricing on the latest Mohr paper cutters, and instaFOIL – a new product for digital printers to create short-run spot foil in-house available in 9 colours. Learn how to foil and get a free swatchbook.
Tembec/Kallima Paper (Booth 5563)
Kallima paper products are manufactured by Tembec at its production facility in Temiscaming, Quebec. Tembec is a global leader in sustainable forest management practices. Its lightweight, fully bleached coated board products are used in commercial printing, publishing, prestige packaging, high-impact graphic corrugated containers, POP displays and litho-laminated packaging. Kallima products are distributed throughout North America and abroad with sales offices located in Canada and the U.S.
Value-Rite Business Products (Booth 5052)
Value-Rite will be showcasing “Complete Integration” of technology to custom decorate fabrics, metals, plastic, glass, vinyl, and ceramics using sublimation, UV printing and solvent technologies. The company represents world-leading brands including Epson, Mimaki, Okidata, Sawgrass, Forever and Chromaluxe.
Xerox (Booth 5322)
At press time, the Xerox Brenva inkjet, Xerox Versant and perhaps the Xerox DTO (Direct-To-Object) Printer were scheduled to appear. The Brenva combines the cost effectiveness of inkjet with the flexibilities of cut-sheet for printers in the light direct mail, transactional and book markets. The 100-ppm, 1200 x 1200 dpi Versant combines speed, image quality and automation features to create colourful personalized communications, collateral, brochures, photo publishing and specialty products. Xerox’s new DTO Printer can print photos, images and text directly onto 3D objects – on smooth, rough, slightly curved or stepped surfaces up to 1,200 dpi at 30 objects per hour.