Celebrating a Legacy
- Published: July 31, 2005, By Nsenga Byrd Thompson, Associate Editor
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When Johannes Gutenberg printed the Bible in 1455—recognized as the first work created from movable type—one can only wonder if he realized the magnitude of his revolutionary invention. As Chicago’s McCormick Place once again prepares to host one of the print industry’s premier exhibitions, the still-expanding scope of Gutenberg’s invention will be on display, with more than 800 companies exhibiting in approximately 750,000 sq ft of space.
Print 05 & Converting 05, being held September 9–15 and organized by the Graphic Arts Show Co. (GASC), offers commercial, package printing, and converting equipment and supplies under one roof. Exhibits will include the latest in CtP systems, prepress and workflow software, image-capture systems, MIS systems, stochastic screening, digital and traditional presses, coating and laminating systems, finishing and bindery equipment, material handling supplies, and more.
A Converter Focus
Among the 800 exhibitors will be roughly 200 companies displaying equipment and other products designed for folding carton converting, label printing, flexible packaging, and other packaging applications.
Many companies exhibiting at the show say they will offer the most comprehensive product lines they have shown in North America in recent years. Some equipment will be in the US for the first time, having been unveiled as prototypes at European shows. Among the largest of these exhibitors are Bobst Group (6,000 sq ft); Korber Paperlink (5,200 sq ft); Sun Chemical (3,600 sq ft); Colter & Peterson (3,000 sq ft); Bielomatic Jagenberg and CG Machinery (more than 2,000 sq ft each), and Can-Am Packaging (1,200 sq ft). Other exhibitors with significant displays include Standard Paper Box, Kampf, Esko-Graphics, and KBA.
The Bobst Group will demonstrate several new pieces of equipment at the show. VP Chris Raney, says, "Although shows are part of most successful marketing efforts, it is critically important to select the right show. The Bobst Group has always favored shows featuring operating equipment so that we can actively demonstrate our equipment by running actual production work."
Adding to the show’s commitment to broaden its focus on the converting industry, several recognizable associations will be represented: Flexographic Technical Assn. (FTA); Assn. of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL); Flexible Packaging Assn., (FPA); Flexographic Pre-Press Assn. (FPPA); Foil Stamping & Embossing Assn. (FSEA); Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC); and RadTech.
Conference Highlights
As part of its comprehensive seminar program, Print 05 & Converting 05 will host nine conference sessions focused on the converting and package printing industry. They include:
- Trends in Converting and Package Printing; Corey Reardon, principal, AWA Alexander Watson Assoc.
- Color Control of Flexo-Printed Film; Bill Pope, Rochester Inst. of Technology (RIT)
- The State of Printing and Converting in the US; Frank Romano, RIT
- Innovations and Trends in Foil Stamping and Embossing; Jeff Peterson, executive director, FSEA
- Improve Your Printing of Folding Cartons; Ray Prince, Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation
- The Package Printing Industry—What the Numbers Show; John Zarwan, consultant
- Digital Printing for Package Printing; Frank Romano, RIT
- A Fresh Perspective on Package Printing; John Windle, State Street Consultants
- The Flexo Market—The Profits Nobody Wanted; Frank Romano, RIT
Show Hours
Friday, September 9, through Wednesday, September 14: 10 AM to 5 PM
10 AM to 2 PM Thursday, September 15: 10 AM to 2 PM
Visit print05.org for more information, and be sure to visit PFFC and our sister publication, American Printer, at Booth 17091.
