From Design to Delivery

Published: September 01, 2002, By Carrie Cleaveland, Editorial Intern

Four days; 500 exhibitors; 40,000 attendees; one show. For the very latest and greatest from the graphic design, digital prepress, printing, publishing, and converting industries, Graph Expo and Converting Expo 2002 is the place to be. Where else can you find new innovations, informative seminars, and hundreds of industry experts all under one roof? At Chicago's McCormick Place South, all sectors of the graphic communications industries come together October 6-9 to showcase the hottest trends and innovations.

Four days is hardly enough for an event of this magnitude, so Saturday, October 5, Xerox Corp. will sponsor Executive Outlook, the show's traditional day-before conference. “The industry is constantly evolving and changing, and this year that change has been accelerated by outside economic forces and technical advancements working together,” comments Conference Chairman William C. Lamparter, president of PrintCom Consulting Group. “This conference will provide attendees with ways to understand and incorporate what that means for their business into their growth plans.” The conference theme, “Emerging Technologies and Shifting Markets — Turning Threats into Opportunities,” reflects the economic spectrum affecting industry growth this past year.

On the Floor…
Assisting the objectives of Executive Outlook at the show itself, Graph Expo and Converting Expo's “Must See 'Ems” are worthy of recognition. Selected by a panel of industry consultants and non-vendor related participants, Must See 'Ems will showcase the most inventive and impressive innovations and advancements. These award-winning products and technologies will display this prestigious honor and deserve the attention they undoubtedly will generate. Guides to Must See 'Ems items will be available at the show.

The show floor hardly will lack innovation, however; 80% of exhibitors will introduce new products, technology, and services. The floor itself will be divided into three segments: prepublishing, press, and converting. Experts will be ready to assist with questions while companies provide live demonstrations.

Knowledge Is Power
In addition to the number of product displays, Graph Expo and Converting Expo will offer its acclaimed seminar program, hosting more than 60 educational discussions on a range of topics to help boost your business. “Our goal is always to provide the right mix of product information and demonstrations on the show floor and technical knowledge in the seminar rooms,” notes Regis J. Delmontagne, president, Graphic Arts Show Co. Receiving special attention this year will be the subject of large format inkjet printing, which GASC has deemed one of color printing's best markets for potential growth. Graph Expo and Converting Expo have designated three sessions to focus on this market. Two sessions will discuss the types of products produced as well as challenges in the market, while the third will be a vendor panel.

Oct. 6-9 Graph Expo/Converting Expo, Graphic Arts Show Co., McCormick Pl. S., Chicago, IL (703/264-7200; graphexpo.com).