Graph Expo in Chicago will feature digital and offset printing, prepress, software, mailing, wide-format and more.

Just for In-plants

In-plants that want to increase their value and grow their operations should plan to attend a special session taking place on the third day of Graph Expo in room S504d. Called “Bringing Technology to Market,” the lunchtime session is open to all in-plants and will take place Tuesday, September 13, from 12-1:30 p.m. Renowned author, RIT professor and digital print expert Frank Romano will be the keynote speaker.

Sponsored by the In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA), in partnership with IPG, the “Lunch & Learn” session will give managers a better idea where the technology is going, as Romano offers a peek into the future of in-plant communications. He will review all aspects of digital printing from wide format to sheetfed toner to roll-fed toner and inkjet.

Also during this session, in-plants will share how they have successfully used today’s technology to grow and transform their operations from good to great. To register for this free event, open to all in-plants, visit:

www.IPMA.org

When Graph Expo 2011 kicks off in Chicago on September 11, in-plant managers who walk the floor at McCormick Place will notice one big difference from last year: the resurgence of offset printing.

True, there were presses at last year's show, most notably in Presstek's booth. But three offset giants—Heidelberg USA, Komori America and Mitsubishi Lithographic Presses—all chose to sit that show out.

Not this year. All three are back on the exhibitor list, along with some 380 other vendors at last count. These will include most of the major digital printing equipment vendors, like Xerox, Canon, Ricoh and Kodak, as well as the key bindery and software suppliers.

Beyond watching demonstrations of the latest technologies, however, in-plant managers who make the trip to Chicago will have numerous educational sessions to choose from. The learning opportunities kick off at noon on Saturday, September 10 with the pre-show Executive Outlook conference and continue for the next three days.

The educational conference will feature more than 50 seminars spanning 28 education categories in 11 key market segments. Sessions will be offered in a variety of formats, from hands-on workshops that emphasize skills development to in-depth panel sessions and executive level technology/trends overviews. Subject categories include:

• Color Management

• Design

• Digital Presses

• E-books

• Lean Management/Manufacturing

• Mailing/Fulfillment

• Pre-media

• Print Buying

• Printable Electronics

• Social Networking

• Sustainability

• Web-to-Print

• Workflow

Once again, the Xplor Conference will be held in conjunction with Graph Expo. Its two-day program (September 12-13) will include 18 educational sessions with content covering automation, document design, document re-engineering, multi-channel delivery and more.

Lots to See and Learn

"For in-plant attendees at this year's show there is much to see and learn," observes Debbie Vieder, director of communications for the Graphic Arts Show Co. (GASC), which produces Graph Expo. "For instance, in the special session sponsored by IPMA and In-Plant Graphics...they will gain not only information on the newest technologies but also hear from other in-plants about how they successfully implemented today's technology to transform their operation from good to great. Plus, session presenter Frank Romano will share some key how-to take-aways that attendees will use immediately and in the near future."

Understanding the transition that many graphic communications professionals are making into marketing services, Graph Expo 2011 will debut a brand new special interest pavilion dedicated to marketing professionals and marketing service providers. Sponsored by the Chicago chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA), the largest AMA chapter in the United States, the new Marketing Pavilion will offer a complete, one-stop destination for marketing education, resources and networking.

"Today's graphic communications professionals are moving away from being exclusively print providers and transitioning into the world of marketing services," explains Ralph Nappi, GASC president. "Given the expanded focus of these attendees...we determined the best way to meet the increasing need for marketing products, information and knowledge was to provide a concentrated area right on the show floor where the emphasis is on all things marketing."

In addition to the Marketing Pavilion, attendees will also find eight other special interest sections on the show floor. Of special interest:

• Future Print, featuring new and emerging technologies including Printed Electronics and RFID.

• The third annual GREENspace, a showcase dedicated to sustainability and eco-friendly products.

• The Prepress/Software/Workflow and Press/Finishing sections.

• The Mailing and Fulfillment Center.

• Education Main Street for attendees seeking well-educated, talented industry newcomers to augment their company's workforce.

Graph Expo 2011 will take place September 11-14 at McCormick Place in downtown Chicago. For more information or to register, visit:

www.graphexpo.com