PRINT 17 (Chicago, Sept. 10-14), the SGIA Expo (New Orleans, Oct. 10-12), and April’s Graphics Canada tradeshow undoubtedly represent three of our industry’s most important events in 2017. That being said, we often forget about other regional and local events that fly under the radar. For those who attend and organize these events, they’re just as important as any major tradeshow. This is a callout to the unheralded efforts of organizers in putting these events together, their sponsors, and to attendees for staying involved in our industry.
The BCPIA (British Columbia Printing & Imaging Association) organizes special events every year to keep its members up to date and promote camaraderie. These include sales and marketing conferences, golf tournaments, networking events, and a regional industry tradeshow set for October. Top paper executives from around the world took part in the PacWest 2017 Conference Managing Resources for Success in Whistler, BC last month. Also in June, Agfa Graphics Canada and Esko demonstrated the latest in packaging, signage and display applications at an open house at Agfa’s Mississauga, ON headquarters.
Three key industry associations in Ontario never fail at keeping us involved. The Toronto Club of Printing House Craftsmen (IAPHC) Gallery of Superb Printing Awards held annually in Toronto honour both printers and students. The Digital Imaging Association (DIA) holds regular events with exciting guest speakers and expert panels that are always well attended. The best in print are honoured at the annual Ontario Printing and Imaging Association (OPIA) Excellence In Print Awards.
In May, Avanti held its 2017 User Group Conference in Denver, Colorado delivering more strategies to help maximize ROI. In June, the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) headed north to Canada for the first time to address Canadian printers’ safety issues at a June conference in Mississauga. In Montreal, the annual Gutenberg Gala held last month was a glittering success once again as it celebrated the best of the printing industry in Quebec. The first Annual Messagepoint Users Conference held in Toronto’s distillery district in June was also a huge success.
So here’s my point: please do your best to stay involved and stay current. There’s no shortage of help out there. And rest assured that we’ll continue to keep you up to date on events – not just in Ontario, but across Canada and beyond.
Until next time, always remember that we’re here to help.