Montreal’s 2013 Grafik’Art Show concludes

The sixth edition of Grafik’Art took place April 25-27 at Place Bonaventure in Montreal. Overall, there was mixed reaction. Some exhibitors felt crowds were small, but most agreed that the atmosphere was upbeat and some reported strong sales. By show’s end, there were many “sold” signs taped to equipment.
“I had lots of positive comments,” said show organizer Louis Bernard. “For me one of the highlights was when the reps from GBC America told me that they had sold four times as much product compared to the last show they attended in the United States, even though our show was smaller.”
“For us it was an excellent event,” said Karl Belafi Jr., VP of Sales for KBR Canada. “We got plenty of great feedback and sales, especially regarding our digital print finishing solutions for short run. Our Meteor DP 8700 XL digital press from MGI was also a big hit, illustrating again that it’s one of the most flexible presses on the market when it comes to handling all types of substrates.”
Chris DeSouza of Mississauga’s All Graphic Supplies exhibited on the heels of his company’s opening of a second fully stocked facility in Laval, Quebec. “We exhibited primarily to let visitors know that our showroom is now fully operational in terms of equipment, shipping and service support,” he said.
This was a special event for David Toledano of Duroflex Specialty Papers. “Two of our top suppliers flew up from the U.S. to join us at the show,” he said. “Reps from Nekoosa Coated Products (carbonless, synthetic and coated products) and Spinnaker Coating Labels (pressure-sensitive products) were an immense help at our booth. There was great interest in our products that should translate into future sales.”
“This was our first time at a regional show,” said Michael Steele, President of Sydney Stone. “We partnered with TAS, our distributor in Quebec. There was lots of interest in our products, particularly our laminators and cutters. We did make a few sales and anticipate more in the months to come. We’ll definitely be returning to the next show.”
Finally, congratulations Biagio D’Aprano of BPM Design who won a two-night stay at Hotel Manoir Des Laurentides in St. Donat, Quebec in Graphic Arts Magazine’s special show draw.