Graphics Canada Trade Show and conference gaining momentum
Launched 44 years ago, Graphics Canada has not only endured, but it has prevailed, showing amazing resilience especially through difficult economic times.
This year, more than 250 exhibitors representing over 500 companies will strut their stuff on four huge exhibit halls – the largest exhibit floor in Canada – at the Toronto International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Thursday, Nov. 12 through Saturday, Nov. 14.
According to Show Manager Dan Mustata, the event provides an opportunity to network with the largest gathering of graphic arts professionals and print buyers in Canada. The over 12,000 estimated show visitors will find solutions to improve their workflow efficiency, discover new cost-cutting strategies, deliver better quality products and provide their customers with greater flexibility.
As always, the show will cover just about every aspect of the printing and graphic arts industries, including the latest in offset and digital presses, electronic prepress, converting equipment, consumables, binding, folding and finishing, graphic design, computer publishing, mailing and fulfillment, plus an array of various trade services. Many exhibitors will be displaying new products and technologies for the first time in Canada.
Special feature areas that are “must-sees,” in my opinion, include the Web-to-Print Zone, Design City and the Technology Solutions Centre, though there are many other areas that might spur your particular interest.
Two other notable features this year will be Pac-Print Canada and keynote speaker Dr. Joe Webb.
Pac-Print Canada (actually a show within the show) will highlight the latest in flexography, labels, packaging and converting, colour management, industry trends and so on. Dr. Joe Webb will speak one hour before the show opens (from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.) on Thursday, November 12. His topic will be Digital Media’s Challenge: Reawakening Print’s Entreprenurial Spirit.
New products being featured at this year’s show include the Fujifilm Onset S20 flatbed digital printer; Konica-Minolta’s high-speed inkjet textile printer, the Nassenger VII; the Océ ColorStream web printer and Océ Arizona 350 GT UV Curable flatbed printer; the Xerox Color Qube high-speed solid-ink multifunction printer; Agfa Graphics’ new wide-format UV inkjet printer, the Anapurna M2; and the Alprinta web offset press.
“One of the reasons for our show’s ongoing success,” said Mustata, “is that we offer additional value beyond the traditional trade show expectations. For example, each exhibitor will be invited to give a 30-minute presentation in a theatre located on the show floor, highlighting the features and benefits of its products and services. There will be even more educational seminars that provide insight into current trends and practices, plus a glimpse into what the future holds. As well, each morning, special keynote speakers will host a breakfast meeting and focus on a variety of topics,” he added.
In fact, education will be a major focus of the show. This year’s seminar line-up is wide-ranging and includes Apple OS X Snow Leopard Tips & Tricks, What’s new in Adobe InDesign CS4, Managed Services in the Macintosh Environment – Going Green, Driving New Business Opportunities with Web-to-Print Systems (featuring Press-sense iWay) and Preparing Variable Print Data.
Other show bonuses include a preview package sent to registrants in advance that includes exhibitor profiles, seminar schedules, machinery demo times and a general events schedule. Plus, each morning, a special supplement will be designed and printed on the show floor and given to visitors as they arrive. This will highlight the day’s activities and promote keynote speakers and exhibitor presentations.
More information: Dan Mustata, show manager, 1-888-823-7469 or direct at 416-385-2030. Email: danmustata@graphicscanada.com.