A panel of industry experts provided insights, live demonstrations and “some of the coolest samples” of the latest technologies for digital special effects on the market today. The Digital Imaging Association’s event took place Wednesday, May 17 at Konica Minolta’s new Canadian headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario.
Digital special effects technologies – best characterized as “disruptive” and “breakthrough” – are providing spectacular, value-added finishing capabilities both in-house and inline. They’re considered true game-changers by those who sell the technology, and the printers who purchase these presses. The May 17 meeting drew one of the largest crowds in recent years, reflecting the huge interest and impact of this technology, while giving attendees an opportunity to explore their capabilities and functionality.
One of the most popular samples distributed was a “cool” DIA promotion made up of a box printed on the MGI JetVarnish that included textured lamination as well as foil and gloss varnish, promoting the DIA’s upcoming Golf Tournament June 15 at St. Andrew’s Valley Golf Course in Aurora, Ontario. The box folds up and the DIA put a golf ball inside with a DIA logo printed on it. The organization will be using the same concept with different imaging for the purchase of Mulligans at the tournament.
The DIA’s experienced panel of industry experts and manufacturers explored the options, the end products and the logistics, and answered questions from the audience. These included:
- Christian Knapp, Managing Director, CMD Insight
- Paul Lattimore, Eastern Regional Sales Manager, Highcon Systems
- Michael Steele, Co-Managing Director, Sydney Stone
- Ray Pena, International Sales Director, MGI