The Graphics Canada tradeshow November 21-23 at the Toronto International Centre is much more than Canada’s largest graphics, printing and converting show. It’s our chance to shine, to show that we’re constantly on the leading edge of the latest technology. The biennial event has traditionally brought together the best current technologies and live demonstrations of cutting-edge equipment, with glimpses of emerging and future technologies. This year is no exception with many products from the 140-plus exhibitors making their Canadian and North American debuts.
In the emerging technology category, I suggest you visit the new 3D Pavilion sponsored by Proto3000, Canada’s leading supplier of 3D printing technologies and equipment. A team of experts will be on hand to answer any questions and demonstrate this emerging technology and many of its amazing applications.
Nanography is another fascinating future technology that will hopefully transform our industry, and we recently reported on major upgrades to Landa’s S10FC and S10C presses due for beta testing at the end of this year. So I’m definitely going to attend the free keynote presentation from Kristof Dekeukelaere, Landa Digital Printing. He’ll explore exciting innovations in Landa Nanographic Printing for commercial, folding carton, flexible packaging and label applications. You’ll discover how the technology evolved and how it will advance digital printing methods to make them competitive with offset in terms of quality, speed and cost.
Returning to the present, you might also want to attend Andrew Papparozzi’s helpful presentation. He’s the NAPL’s Senior VP and Chief Economist and will show you how to be more efficient, more competitive and more valuable to your clients. He’ll discuss how you can create your own economic recovery by taking simple but effective actions: hearing the voices of your best clients more clearly; establishing yourself as an expert; defining your competitive advantage; understanding, solving and documenting; focusing on what’s most important and ultimately creating a ‘Recovery Manifesto’. His message: “There’s plenty of opportunity in the graphic arts – just not in the same old places or by doing the same old things.”
A multitude of reasons to attend
The Graphics Software Theatre returns. One of the show’s most popular attractions, it will be sponsored by Adobe. It will offer three days of non-stop sessions on the latest design updates, inspiration and creativity, free of charge for designers, art directors, creative personnel and other design professionals. Sessions will include an Introduction to Digital Publishing, Monetizing your Publications with Adobe DPS, Creating EPUBs with Adobe InDesign with Ease, Photoshop Creative Cloud New Features and Creative Cloud for Designers.
Graphics Canada is also launching a new Print Executive Forum for industry executives and shop owners, designed to help foster industry cohesion, sharing of insights and helpful discussion of the industry’s strategic issues. Free to attend for qualified printing industry executives, limited seats are available by invitation only. Please RSVP if you’d like to attend to admin@graphicscanada.com or danmustata@graphicscanada.com.
The show’s 2013 Seminar Series is arguably the most impressive seminar program Graphics Canada has ever held. It’s a non-stop program of concurrent sessions discussing topics such as inkjet technology, QR codes, compliance, environmental concerns, state of the economy, workflow automation, trends and opportunities, social media and much more.
Also returning is the Printing Sales Training Program for the 21st Century. This is a morning seminar program for intermediate-level printing salespeople that will be followed by an advanced-level afternoon program presented by industry expert Dave Fellman. And there’s more! The Cross Media Conference is a two-day program packed with sessions on opportunities for printers and marketers who want to explore opportunities within cross media, multi-channel communications and integrated marketing. It includes fascinating case studies of print working together with other forms of media to deliver exceptional and successful marketing campaigns.
Wide format opportunities and much more
The SGIA and Sign Media Magazine are teaming up to present a day of intensive seminars and training on the wide format digital printing market and its groundbreaking technologies. Digital imaging is currently the fastest growing segment in graphic communications and the show’s impressive exhibitor displays will highlight everything – from wide format to super-wide format, sign and banner printing equipment, substrates, inks, media, related accessories and more. Located in Hall Two with many more exhibitors throughout the show featuring wide format equipment, this industry sector already includes leading suppliers such as Fujifilm, Canon, Oce, ND Graphics, All Graphics Supplies, Sign Media, Multicam, Proveer, Printers Parts, EFI, Cheelo, Ram Imaging Product, The Drawing Centre, EM Plastic, Zund and many more.
Also located in Hall Two across from the Graphics Software Theatre is the Design Zone featuring exhibitors selling to graphic designers, including paper mills, paper merchants, software vendors, commercial printers, design hardware/peripherals suppliers and more.
The PacPrint Canada Showcase is actually a show within the show! Converting and packaging are emerging, revenue-building markets for many printers. That makes this comprehensive display of equipment and solutions for flexible and corrugated packaging, folding carton, tags, labels and all related flexo, digital and converting applications a must-see.
Other attractions you should check out include the Innovations Theatre with technical updates, equipment innovations, case studies and success stories from the latest on colour management, workflow, 3D printing and more, as well as the Promotional Products area that features some clever products that promote your clients’ businesses while bringing in new revenue streams. This year’s show also has more co-located events including the Canadian Printing Awards, DIA Breakfast & Keynote, IADD Meeting and Paperboard Making 101 as well as more debates, panel discussions and workshops.
Finally, as always, there is a flood of new products, technologies and services on display – three halls packed with equipment, ideas and solutions to improve your productivity and your bottom line.
For more information, please visit www.graphicscanada.com.
Our personal picks
Please stop by these booths. You won’t be disappointed. We’d like to feature all of the more than 140 exhibitors, but that would take every page of this magazine and more. Enjoy the show!
4over Booth 3517
A North American trade printing leader, 4over will be showcasing its superior print quality, fast turnarounds, exceptionally competitive pricing and its large array of print products – from business cards to brochures to large format banners. 4over’s services, including local delivery, have attracted a substantial number of trade customers including print brokers, resellers and other printers. For more information and to register for your free resell account visit www.4over.com.
All Graphic Supplies Booth 2108
If you’re looking to build a successful sign-making or wide format digital imaging business, or want to improve your current operation, then this booth is a must-visit. The company is a leading Canadian supplier of sign-making equipment, wide format printers, cutters, laminators, flatbed printers, finishing tools and sign-making/graphics software. It has locations across Canada (and the Caribbean) and is an authorized dealer for sales and service of new and used equipment from industry leaders Roland, Mimaki, EFi Rastek, Teckwin, Rollsroller, Royal Sovereign, Rite Lam, Fletcher Terry, Hotronix and Cube. All equipment includes a manufacturer’s warranty and installation, set up and training are normally included, depending on your location. www.allgraphicsupplies.com.
AM. Transport Booth 3104
For 17 years, AM. Transport, a Mississauga-based logistics and transportation company, has specialized in serving the printing industry. Its fleet of straight trucks, tractors and trailers (each equipped with GPS technology) is “large enough to handle any order and small enough to care.” It takes pride in “going the extra mile” and does whatever it takes to get the job done. Its radio-dispatched fleet is available 24/7 and you will actually talk to a live person when phoning them! Its focus continues to be on the printing, paper, mailing, automotive and construction industries. Equipment is meticulously maintained and includes tailgates with a capacity up to 4,000 pounds. It specializes in orders other companies refuse and also offers warehousing services at competitive prices. dispatch@amtransport.ca.
Amazing Print Booth 3413
You’ve likely seen its online designs on the most popular franchise and printing sites – you just didn’t know that Amazing Print Tech was behind them. Its flagship product eCardBuilder enables users to turn a printer’s website into an online design studio with over 20 million (yes, million) different images and templates. eCardBuilder also allows a printer’s customers to upload their own files easily, get instant pricing or set up corporate accounts. “What matters most to printers is how many new sales the software can deliver that are touch-free,” said President Slava Apel. “With eCardBuilder’s workflow of marketing – from order, to production, to post-sale follow-up – this is possible.” The success behind Apel’s eCardBuilder has impacted literally thousands of printers across 16 countries. The company will showcase five new releases at the show. www.amazingprint.com.
ATS Tanner Banding Systems Booth 1229
ATS-Tanner Banding Systems Inc. is a Switzerland-based world leader in banding solutions, offering everything from banding machines for simple bundling tasks to integrated, fully automated solutions that blend seamlessly into the most complex of production workflows. The company’s machines are the epitome of traditional Swiss precision and innovative engineering. ATS will display the new generation of its US-2000 AD Ultra Sonic banding equipment. ATS-Tanner technicians will be on hand to demonstrate the advantages of its many options and guide you through the helpful features that make it “so incredibly easy to use.” They’ll also be available to answer your questions. www.ats-tanner.ca.
Avanti Booth 1012
Avanti will preview Slingshot, its next-generation Print MIS (Management Information System) that incorporates business intelligence (CRM, dashboards and reporting), production planning (estimating, planned purchasing, sales orders, inventory management and scheduling), fulfillment, shipping and billing into one easy-to-use, modular and scalable system. In business for 29 years, Avanti provides innovative, award-winning Print MIS and web-to-print solutions that help print shops and marketing communication organizations automate all facets of their business and cultivate a more meaningful relationship with their customers. Avanti’s solutions are the most open in the industry, JDF certified, fully integrated, and extend from web-to-print through to production and billing. www.avantisystems.com.
Bard Business Solutions Booth 2423
Bard Business Solutions has provided custom management software for the printing and publishing industries since 1995. This allows all departments to share information and become much more efficient. Products on display will include Graphics Manager 9.2, Enterprise Manager 5.6, Digital Print Manager 3.6, Graphics Express 4.7, Magazine Manager 6.5 and Publishing Manager 1.5. www.bardsolutions.com.
Docket Manager Booth 1279
Docket Manager is a modern, browser-based print and sign shop management system that runs on any platform or device. It slashes operational expenses by creating a fast and efficient workflow throughout your shop. These efficiencies combined with Docket Manager’s focus on sales through customer relationship management will not only reduce your operational cost, but will help boost your bottom line. Completely mobile, your sales reps will have everything they need at their fingertips, whether on a laptop, tablet or mobile phone. Docket Manager’s built-in web-to-print solution can create a B2B store for your customers in minutes. It also integrates seamlessly with other systems. www.docketmanager.ca.
Duroflex Specialty Papers Booth 1283
Duroflex Specialty Papers now offers wide format vinyl through its Spinnaker Coating and Avery Graphics agreement. Adding wide format items to its existing line of offset and digital full-sheet and die-cut products enhances its capabilities and strengthens its position as a valuable supplier to customers. The company’s broad range of products includes Gloss Text/Cover, offset, carbonless paper, envelopes, synthetic papers and much more. Duroflex is also a full-service paper and board converter. www.duroflexpapers.com.
EZ Trade Signs Booth 1044
EZ Trade Signs only does signs – but they do them extremely well. Customers receive personalized service and the most products at the best prices. The company also focuses on attention to detail, specializing in all kinds of projects, especially custom short-run packaging and 3D cutouts. www.eztradesigns.com.
Fotolia Booth 2323
Fotolia, a leading worldwide provider of royalty-free photographs, vectors, illustrations and HD videos, provides its more than 4.2 million members with quality, reliability and affordability. Spanning the globe in 15 languages, 23 countries, and sporting over 24 million files, Fotolia offers high quality images and videos for everyone on any budget. Its user-friendly website has one of the most comprehensive category listings available including people, architecture, flora and fauna, food and drink, landscape, objects, sport and leisure, transport, abstract, background and texture and more. Topics covered include business, lifestyle, concept, welfare, leisure, science and nature, emotions and feelings, human features, social issues, technology, travel and more. Be sure to ask about the recent launch of its new app that allows users to earn money from their smartphone photos. The app, Fotolia Instant, is not unlike many of the social photos apps on the market in that it lets you snap photos, apply filters, then share. But it also includes more professional tools too. For example, it allows you to manually control exposure and aperture separately. www.fotolia.com.
Fujifilm Canada Booth 1200
Fujifilm Canada will be showcasing the Canadian premiere of the Acuity Advance Select HS wide format press, XMF print production workflow and full colour management across proofing, digital and offset printing using XMF ColorPath. For free exhibition passes, register with the Fujiflm2013GFX code at graphicscanada.com/register/.
Graphic Arts Magazine Booth 2011
Stop by our booth and we’ll tell you the best ways to promote your business, feature your products and sell your services. Be sure to ask about our new video production and video marketing strategies. And take part in our free draw for a great prize. Since 1997, Graphic Arts Magazine has provided in-depth, up-to-date coverage, investigation and analysis of the latest trends and activities in the printing and graphic communications industry in Canada. Our articles engage readers with hot topics and relevant issues. Industry veterans trust us as a vital source of information to stay in the know and boost their bottom line. Published ten times a year and sent to over 10,600 individual locations across Canada, the CMCA-audited publication has a regular readership of more than 50,000 and is complemented by an E-Newsletter that goes to over 8,000 subscribers every week. Our website, www.graphicartsmag.com, is one of the most news-intense in the industry.
Hans Shinohara Canada Booth 1036
Hans Shinohara Canada markets Hans-Gronhi and Shinohara offset presses, parts and service in North America. Shinohara is already a popular brand in the U.S. with over 1,000 installations. It will be showcasing Shinohara commercial offset presses (52, 66, 75, 79 and 92 series) that are inexpensive, versatile and meet various market needs, as well as its digital inkjet label press and laser label die-cutting technology. Show promotions include the new Toko 4750 1800EL 19” x 13.4” one-colour offset and clearance pricing on a lightly-used 36″ cutter. More information: www.hans-gronhi.com.
Insource Corporation Booth 3600
A valuable strategic partner, Insource provides leading-edge technology and service in the industrial paper handling, card manufacturing and processing, packaging/fulfillment and mailing sectors. New products showcased at its booth will be the Petratto Metro Folder and Gluer, the SCS Trim and Perf, the Kirk Rudy Phoenix 4 ½” Inkjet System, the KAS CreaseMatic Auto50 M1 with FlexSystems Software and the Digibinder. Specialists will also be on hand to discuss its other technologies including Petratto Cordoba Creasing, Perforatting and Folding, W&D TiPrint Inline Printing on the W&D BB700 Inserting System, Astro M1C Continuous Full-Colour Laser Printing and the Astro M2 Full-Colour High-Capacity Sheet Feed Memjet. Strategic partners from Kirk Rudy, SCS, Petratto and FlexSystems will also be on hand. Insource will also feature a used equipment area with IntoPrint as its “Used Product of the Show.” Stop by to win a pair of Maple Leafs’ tickets in a special draw. www.insourcecorp.ca.
Keng Seng Enterprises Booth 3903
Keng Seng, Pantone Incorporated’s Canadian Distributor, will be exhibiting the Pantone 50th Anniversary Edition Plus Series Guides, Chip Books and X-Rite calibration tools and software. The company also distributes books, magazines, art supplies, light boxes, cutters, desktop utilities, foam board and supplies, photographic accessories, photo backgrounds and more. www.kengseng.com.
Konica Minolta Booth 1260
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (Canada) will debut its comprehensive, end-to-end EnvisionIT Production Solutions that solve business problems with a combination of innovative services, hardware and applications. The solutions offer all the capabilities commercial printers need to improve productivity and increase profitability. These include the next generation bizhub Press C1070 Colour Digital Press Series with expanded paper-handling, inline finishing and image control capabilities that simplify operation and reduce labour costs. The C1070’s combination of Konica Minolta’s proprietary S.E.A.D. IV image processing and sophisticated ASIC technology, along with inline image and colour density controls, ensure that image quality remains stable from start to finish. Representatives will be on hand to review the entire line of multiple-award-winning Konica Minolta bizhub presses. www.konicaminolta.ca.
Mi5 Print & Digital Communications Booth TBD
Mi5 Print and Digital Communications is the first 2D printer in the world to offer photo-realistic, full-colour 3D printing. It not only employs the technology, but is the sole distributer for the entire Mcor 3D Printer product line. The groundbreaking technology can easily create low cost, full-colour, eco-friendly 3D objects using paper and standard four-colour process inks. It allows designers, engineers and marketers the unique opportunity to create prototypes, improve designs or harness new technology to produce unique marketing products. sheryl@mi5print.com.
Masterwork USA Booth 3307
Masterwork USA will be demonstrating its new MK1060 ER automatic platen die cutter, MK1450 ER automatic platen die cutting machine and the MK 420 MINI Q carton inspection machine. The K1060 ER features stripping and blank separation, top speed of 7,000 sph and maximum sheet size of 1,060 mm x 760 mm. It also accommodates embossing. Its MK1450ER combines stripping and blank separation into one-step. Maximum sheet size is 1450 mm x 1080 mm and maximum speed is 6,500 sph. The MK 420 MINI Q high-speed carton inspection machine facilitates total online inspections and can operate 24 hours a day without operator intervention. Its special light source filters makes for a clearer image, resulting in improved detection. It has a maximum running speed of 75,000 sph and a maximum sheet size of 420 mm x 350 mm. Masterwork will also be discussing its breakthrough Duopress foil stamping and die cutting machine technology, a one-pass system that combines embossing and foil stamping with die-cutting and stripping. www.mkusa.com.
Max Media Graphic Supplies Booth 1215
The long-time Markham, Ontario-based graphic arts supplier specializes in wide format consumables and supplies from Canon, Roland, Mutoh, Mimaki and other industry leaders. These include aqueous inkjet media; latex, eco-sol, solvent and UV curable printer media; pressure-sensitive laminating and mounting films; low-cost, premium quality, OEM-comparable inks; and banner stands and tradeshow displays. maxmedia@rogers.com.
Muller Martini North America Booth 3207
Muller Martini’s product specialists will be demonstrating how Muller Martini’s component-driven bindery and press solutions can manage dual production output and multiple product formats. What can this mean for printers and binderies? Investment protection – as Muller’s systems have been engineered to enable a comfortable migration from offset print manufacturing to the inclusion of digital and hybrid products. www.mullermartini.com.
PDS – Pressdown Services Booth 3605
PDS with be showcasing the Rapid X1 Label Printer along with its partner, the Eclipse, which is a label finishing unit. Also on display will be its line of perfect binders, chemistry-free CTP, four-colour envelope press, 24-up business card slitter, and bookbinding equipment – an entire booth also dedicated to refurbished, “gently used” equipment. PDS Pressdown has been in operation for 30 years providing sales and service to offset and digital shops across Canada. www.pressdown.net and sales@pressdown.net.
Printer Gateway Booth 2625
One of Canada’s leading trade-only printers, Printer Gateway is focused on innovation, efficiency and technology. The company is “dedicated to supply every trade client with quality and competitive wholesale pricing with rapid turnaround time.” Its team provides clients with unparalleled customer service and is committed to conducting business “with integrity, honesty and energy.” One of its most popular services is Printer Gateway’s simple online ordering system that speeds up production time and grows a print customer’s business. Its continued dedication to service excellence and industry advancement is supported by “open communication within the corporate environment.” printergateway.com and support@printergateway.com.
PrintSites2Go Booths 2625 and 2631
Its $150 per month, web-to-print solution is a turnkey platform preloaded with 35 of the most popular print products containing 65,000 price permutations. The technology is multi-browser and multi-device compatible with online design tools as well as being multi-currency, multi-lingual and multi-tax-coded. The full eCommerce storefront also comes with user and account management, comprehensive reporting and marketing features. There are no commissions, no fees and no residuals. www.printsites2go.com.
Ricoh Canada Booth 1240
Ricoh is a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. New products and services showcased will include the Ricoh Pro C5100s & Pro C5110s Light Production Colour Imaging Systems; Ricoh Pro 8100s Production B/W Imaging System; Ricoh TotalFlow Prep, Print Manager and Production Manager workflow software and Ricoh Colour Management Services. Also showcased: the Pro C901s GA+ and Pro C651EX Production Colour Imaging Systems; MP WC2200SP Wide Format Colour MFP; OnPrintShop (SaaS) Web-to-Print solution; Marcom Central: online on-demand marketing assets management (MAM) solution and the Fusion Pro Variable Data Print Solution. www.ricoh.ca.
SinaLite.com Booth 1000
SinaLite is an easy-to-use print service provider catering exclusively to the needs of trade customers – including print brokers, sign shops and designers who seek a high quality product at an unbeatable trade price. Based in the Greater Toronto Area, SinaLite serves and ships to customers in every Canadian province. Users can view instant quotes and place orders online any time, from anywhere. www.SinaLite.com.
Sydney Stone Print Finishing Booths 1250, 1251, 1052
Sydney Stone will be presenting “the most innovative print finishing solutions available in the world” at Graphics Canada. Located in Hall 1 this year, the company has enlarged its booth to showcase even more equipment. The print finishing leader will be demonstrating new equipment from Morgana, Watkiss, EBA, Unibind, Matrix, Duplo, Formax and more. www.printfinishing.com.
Teckmark Label Booth 1022
Teckmark Label Systems has been operating since 1989. Its focus from day one has been on producing custom labels and other narrow-web printed products exclusively for print brokers and printers – which it will be showcasing at the show. It ships product from coast to coast through independent brokers and printers. Its commitment is “to continually strive to achieve product quality that exceeds industry expectations and product that ships on time.” www.teckmark.com or info@teckmark.com.
Tembec/Kallima Paper Booth 2322
Kallima (manufactured by Tembec) will be showcasing its full line of FSC-certified coated cover products. Visitors will be able to see Kallima’s new C2S 14-pt. substrate. This is yet another Kallima grade that offers commercial printers superior printing and press run capabilities as well as cost savings. The Kallima staff will be on hand to explain how the C1S, C1S Plus and C2S products’ lightweight construction can save up to 20% over competing grades when purchasing the paper as well as shipping out printed material. Make sure you pick up Kallima’s 2013 comparison piece – a compelling demonstration of how well Kallima performs on-press versus its major competitors. www.kallimapaper.com.
Value-Rite Business Products Booth 1235
Value-Rite will be introducing the new Anajet Mp10i Direct-to-Garment Printer printing on both white and dark shirts. The new Epson F Series dye sublimation printer will also be shown decorating polyester fabrics. Also being demonstrated are the Mimaki CJV, a print-and-cut solution for signage and the Mimaki UJF3042 UV flatbed for printing on promotional items such as pens, golf balls and glass. Value-Rite is an authorized sales and service dealer for Anajet, Epson, Mutoh and Mimaki. www.valuerite.com.