The numbers are in! Built upon the strong foundation and success of its predecessor, the annual SGIA Expo, the inaugural Printing United tradeshow attracted some 30,000 individuals representing all facets of the printing industry, to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas October 23 – 25. The new event provided a massive, all-encompassing showcase of new technologies and products, extensive education and much, much more. Occupying 724,000 square feet, show organizers the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) and NAPCO Media managed a sold-out show floor of more than 680 exhibitors, arranged over 100 educational sessions and several other events to further connect industry players. In fact, pre-show registration for their Printing United 2020 tradeshow (October 21 – 23 in Atlanta, Georgia) has already exceeded 6,000 attendees. With over 1 million square feet of floor space in Atlanta, more than two-thirds of the 2020 show floor has already been reserved!
“The feedback we continuously received throughout the show, and following the event, from both exhibitors and attendees, has been overwhelmingly positive and powerful,” said Ford Bowers, President and CEO at the SGIA. “Many commented on how revitalizing it was to see such a full and comprehensive event. We were most thrilled about all the buying taking place on the show floor. This is the best testament that our industry, indeed, is thriving. We just needed the right model – and we’re confident that we’ve produced that with Printing United.”
Konica Minolta/MGI USA, a Diamond Level Sponsor, reported that they expect to exceed sales revenue goals for the show. “MGI and Konica Minolta had a truly inspirational experience at the inaugural Printing United exposition,” said Jack Noonan, MGI Marketing Manager. “The sense of energy and optimism at the show about the future growth of our industry was astonishing. The concept of a ‘big-tent event’ to house all segments of the marketplace proved to be a visionary concept for all participants. Our customers and business partners told us that it was both fun and educational in ways completely different from any other industry event. The unique Printing United attendance model also created powerful business value for MGI and Konica Minolta. From every perspective, the show was a tremendous success for us,” he added.
“Printing United set out to create one environment centered on the convergence of innovations in our industry. Based on the traffic we had in our booth, from commercial printers to sign shops and many in between, that goal was achieved,” said Heather Poulin, Senior Director, Marketing, Commercial Printing Business, Ricoh USA, a Diamond-level show sponsor. “The interactions with customers were unstoppable and have already resulted in profits. The experiences we gave attendees, all in one booth wrapped with software and professional services, also presented them with an opportunity to share their feedback, helping us to develop the right future technologies and solutions to meet their needs and further our alliances,” she added. Agfa, a Platinum sponsor, also reported a successful showing. “The inaugural Printing United show was a great success for Agfa,” said Deborah Hutcheson, Director of Marketing, Agfa. “It clearly responded to the industry’s need to pull our key printing segments together into one united event.”
As a Diamond Sponsor of the inaugural tradeshow with a dominant presence, Fujifilm ended the three-day event with multiple signed contracts for its innovative solutions. “Fujifilm experienced great success in Dallas,” said Todd Zimmerman, Division President at Fujifilm North America Corporation, Graphic Systems Division, and Corporate Vice President, Fujifulm Global Graphic Systems. “Fujifilm’s inkjet technology truly made an impact with attendees from around the world, and our booth saw tremendous traffic. We’re very pleased to be shipping the OnsetX3 HS with three-quarter automation, the Acuity Ultra, and the J Press 750S from the show floor directly to locations across North America for immediate installations. Additionally, three Acuity Select 26 UV inkjet flatbed presses were sold at the show as well.” Fujifilm’s nearly 5,000 square foot booth included the OnsetX3 HS with three-quarter automation, the
TJ Press 750S , the Acuity Ultra, the Acuity LED 40 Series and ongoing, informative educational sessions. Fujifilm also supported Brand United University, part of the Digital Printing for Professionals event, co-located with Printing United. Digital Printing for Professionals was a two-day comprehensive curriculum at which attendees earned a Course Completion Certificate. Powered by SGIA and Brand United, Digital Printing for Professionals was designed specifically for marketers, agencies, designers and print buyers looking to accelerate their understanding of the power of digital print.
“The vision for Printing United has been two years in the making,” said Mark J. Subers, President, Printing United. “Seeing it all come together was surreal. We worked hard to provide this industry across all segments with solutions and resources they need to make their businesses successful. For some, that means expanding their capabilities within their traditional industries; for others, it’s collaborating and converging with adjacent segments and markets. Either way, there was something for everyone and our passion for where this industry is headed is invigorating.”
Printing United 2020 will take place October 21 – 23 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Show details can be found soon at www.printingunited.com. Those interested in exhibiting can contact John Woodstock, VP of Sales at SGIA, at jwoodstock@sgia.org.
Printing United a resounding success as bookings for its 2020 tradeshow start to accumulate
