In-plants Heading to Chicago

Graph Expo starts on Sunday, and in-plants are expected to play a major part in the graphic arts trade show. As we've noted several times in recent weeks, the Chicago show will be packed with seminars exclusively for in-plants, along with receptions and networking opportunities. In-plant managers from all over the country are expected to be at the four-day event.

They aren't coming just to browse either. In-plant Graphics has heard from several in-plant managers who will be scouting out equipment that they plan to purchase, ranging from new black-and-white production printers to mailing and wide-format printing equipment. One manager will announce his in-plant's test of Ricoh's new Clickable Paper, a Must See 'Ems award winner.

The largest in-plant rendezvous will likely be the free Lunch and Learn seminar offered by the In-Plant Printing & Mailing Association on Monday (12:15-1:45) in Room S102. Moderated by InfoTrends' Barb Pellow, it will cover Web-to-print, QR codes and more, with presentations by RSA, Xerox and Kodak. (Register here.)

Another in-plant gathering place will be at a panel discussion, coordinated by Rochester Software Associates (RSA), entitled “Empowered In-plants: Tell-All Success Stories from the Field” (10:30-noon, in room S405ab). Four in-plant managers will detail their operations and challenges they have faced.

But sessions aren't the only places you'll find fellow in-plant managers. A new networking hub called "The InPlant Place" will be available in booth #3461. Sponsored by IPMA, it will offer in-plant-specific education, networking and relaxation opportunities. Rochester Software Associates will also offer daily in-plant networking in booth 237 starting at 4:00. (Register here.)