More than 19,000 people attended the 2017 SGIA Expo, the largest North American print show, in New Orleans, La., from October 10–12. The show, which took over the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, featured nearly 600 exhibitors showcasing the most innovative technologies and products in the printing marketplace. “The Expo is always exciting, and not just because it’s the largest printing show in North America,” says SGIA President and CEO Ford Bowers. “It’s where you go to see and learn about the evolution of the print industry.”
The show floor bustled with attendees and exhibitors doing business, with attendees clearly ready to make purchases and add innovation to their organizations. New attendee Nathanial Kastelic, owner of 11th Loop, was seeking information about eco-friendly textiles and processes. “I’m hoping to learn how to digitally print on the most sustainable/trackable textiles in the universe,” he says. “I’m learning a lot and have made some great contacts at the Expo. It has assisted me to understand there is a big deficiency in the eco/sustainable conversation.”
“We’ve already sold everything we brought,” said exhibitor Daniel Kane, Royal Soverign, during the welcome reception at the end of the first day. “Actually, it got so busy we’ve sold everything three times over.”
Sean Lanigan of Modico Corp. added the only time traffic slowed was at lunchtime. “The buyers are educated,” said Lanigan. “They take a look at something, and they understand the process and what needs to be done. They’re knowledgeable about the digital printing process and they ask the right questions.”
“I’d done my research by studying the Product of the Year award winners, so I knew who had received honors and who I needed to see, but there were still some surprises on the Expo floor,” said Ann Crum of Phoenix Inkjet and Colour Solutions, LLC. “But then again, that’s not surprising, SGIA’s show is always the most impressive.”
In addition to the excellent technology demos, buying opportunities and product launches at the Expo this year, many new announcements were made, not the least of which was the new Print United show to be held in Dallas in 2019, a joint venture between SGIA and NAPCO Media. “Print United sets the stage for the sectors that are moving more and more into the SGIA orbit,” Bowers said.
The 2018 SGIA Expo will take place October 18–20, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. And in 2019, Print United will debut in Dallas.
Having its origins in the screen printing industry, SGIA embraced the digital revolution early on and is now the trade association of choice for professionals in the industrial, graphic, garment, textile, electronics, packaging and commercial printing communities looking to grow their business into new market segments through the incorporation of the latest printing technologies. SGIA membership comprises these diverse segments, all of which are moving rapidly towards digital adoption. As long-time champions of digital technologies and techniques, SGIA is the community of peers you are looking for to help navigate the challenges of this process. Additionally, the SGIA Expo is the largest trade show for print technology in North America. “Whatever the medium, whatever the message, print is indispensable. Join the community — SGIA.” For more info, visit www.sgia.org.
