Graphics Canada, our largest and longest-running showcase for the graphic communications and printing industry is building momentum. Running April 6-8, 2017, the biennial event is now in its 53rd year and features educational conferences, sponsored pavilions, workshops, several co-located events, some amazing equipment and new technology. We hope you can stop by booth 5662, say hello, and subscribe to our free print and digital editions, as well as our free weekly e-newsletter. You can also enter our free draw for a fabulous prize. We’ll be posting show and booth previews online right up to the start date, and will have a wrap-up in our May issue as well. I wish visitors three days of discovering valuable information and gaining helpful new business-building ideas that you can take back to your shop.
One event I wouldn’t miss is the DIA’s breakfast meeting Friday, April 7, from 8 am to 10 am. It’ll feature a fascinating presentation, Print & (everything else) from Daniel Dejan, North American ETC Print & Creative Manager for Sappi Fine Paper. His discussion will present some surprising industry findings about demographic preferences, emotional triggers, browsing and shopping behaviour, and niche marketing. Examples will demonstrate how to make print more interactive, visually intriguing and tactile.
This issue, as always, is packed with helpful information. But one feature I believe all readers will be interested in is Diana Varma’s piece on one of our most common challenges – coping with the daily flood of e-mails. I can tell you personally that I get, on average, almost 400 per day. Does this sound familiar? Her feature on page 24, Click here to unsubscribe: Part 1, has some extremely helpful tips.
As a native of the Emerald Isle, this is one of my favourite months. St. Patrick’s Day this year is on Friday, March 17. Parades will be held in Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec, Richmond, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg – and even in the small town of Hudson near Montreal. The annual event celebrates Ireland’s history, culture and heritage. Here in Toronto, the parade begins at noon starting from Bloor and St. George Street, and will continue along Bloor down Yonge St., finishing on Queen St. at Nathan Philips Square. I hope all Canadians, regardless of origin, will join in the festivities and proudly raise a glass of Guinness (or two). After all, on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish!
As always, stay positive and stay focused.