The tradeshow was one of the best in recent years, according to the majority of exhibitors I spoke to. While final numbers were not available at press time, attendance was up the first two days by 5% over the 2015 event. “Early comments and post-show impressions from exhibitors indicated quality leads and prospects,” said show manager Dan Mustata. “Many sold equipment at the show and we featured several areas of potential growth and opportunities for printers that were extremely well received.” The highest praise came from Marc Raad, Esko Account Manager, who said the event was the best industry show he’s ever attended. “We got a constant supply of excellent, qualified leads to continue our double-digit growth in the region. This success also reflects the hard work of our great team here in Canada,” he said.
“The show was one of the best for PDS,” said Jackie Kisiloski. “Great interest and sales regarding the Multigraf line of creasers, slitters, perferators and folders. OKI’s CMYK with white is always a hit. A lot of decision-makers visited us and we’re still working on closing more deals.” North American trade-only leader 4over was busy promoting its Textured Suede Cards, Roll With It full-colour roll labels with a permanent adhesive, and The Digital Age high-end digital colour and B&W envelopes. Graphics Canada helped print finishing leader Sydney Stone launch some new products to Canadian printers according to Dylan Westgate. “This included the Duplo Spot UV Coater, Morgana DigiFold PRO 385, Polar Mohr paper cutters and Mamo 350XP fully automatic laminator. We received leads and orders for almost everything – from our table-top binding machines to our new instaFoil and our larger equipment.” Agfa Graphics Canada echoed the sentiments of most exhibitors, saying that the show resulted in excellent leads and exposure for its new equipment, services and other products.
Speaking of Agfa Graphics, the OEM demonstrated for the first time in Canada, its newest UV inkjet printer – the Jeti Ceres RTR3200 LED with air-cooled LED UV curing for mid-end to high-end applications at speeds up to 186 m²/hr. The first installation in Canada will be at XL Prints in Scarborough, ON. Canon Canada had the largest booth at 4,500 sq ft. And while it showed several printers, it was the ImagePrograf Pro Series – especially the Pro-6000S – that really impressed when it came to reproducing fine detail. Epson Canada showcased several new products, but my personal favourites were its SureColor Dye Sub and DTG printers. I couldn’t resist touching the printed fabric samples. One of the printed dresses on display actually won an award at a recent NY art show! The big news from Konica Minolta Canada was a milestone – the first Canadian order for its groundbreaking MGI JETvarnish 3D Evolution digital finishing system at Belmont Press in Markham, ON. This was followed by the second and third orders in Canada for its MGI JETvarnish 3DS and iFoil System destined for Scan, Copy Print in Edmonton, AB and Creative Path in Richmond Hill, ON.
Canadian mailing & fulfillment, printing & packaging and inkjet technology leader Insource had a very busy show highlighting equipment from Kirk-Rudy, Norpak, Astrojet, Petratto and other OEMs.
Xerox showcased its Brenva inkjet and Xerox Versant. The Brenva combines the cost effectiveness of inkjet with the flexibilities of cut-sheet for printers in the light direct mail, transactional and book markets. The Versant combines speed, image quality and automation features to create colourful personalized communications, collateral, brochures, photo publishing and specialty products.
I hope exhibitors and visitors alike had excellent results. If you have any follow-up news or installations, please let us know.