In a move that further enhances its current partnership with and creates unprecedented value for the industry, the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) announced that it has acquired NAPCO Media. Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by SGIA’s Board of Directors, NAPCO Media — owners of Printing Impressions, Packaging Impressions, PromoMarketing, In-Plant Impressions, TotalRetail, Target Marketing and Wide-Format Impressions — will become an LLC and will continue to operate as an independent entity. All NAPCO Media staff and business units will remain in place. SGIA offices and NAPCO Media offices will continue to reside in Fairfax, Va., and Philadelphia, respectively.

In 2017, SGIA and NAPCO Media formed a strategic partnership to create a global platform to connect print service providers and suppliers in the graphic and visual communication industry like never before. That platform, PRINTING United, was built upon the solid foundation of the former SGIA Expo. PRINTING United is being held October 23 - 25, 2019, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.

“In an industry where traditional boundaries and segments continue to come together, an organization that spans the breadth of the industry is needed more than ever,” said Ford Bowers, CEO and President, SGIA. “Research, education, training, relationships, government affairs, technology and more are not nearly as siloed as they once were. It is imperative that organizations develop a broad ability to address market needs, either through more close-knit collaboration or, as in this instance, combination.”

Dave Leskusky, who will remain NAPCO Media President, said, “We are thrilled to cement our relationship with SGIA. NAPCO Media and SGIA share a common mission to build community and be the primary resource for information and education to help the industry flourish. In order to best serve our communities, we need to create a year-round platform that includes events, media, research and more. Combining forces makes perfect sense.”

“While SGIA is buying NAPCO Media,” Leskusky continued, “this is more of a vertical merger designed to capitalize on our unique strengths and lay the foundation for organic growth. Our current plan amplifies the strengths of each company to extend our reach as a combined organization across all of the audiences we serve.”

About Printing United

At Printing United in Dallas, an expansive and comprehensive display of printing technologies and supplies, education, programming, and services will be showcased. The show has garnered widespread support from the industry and is now 99% sold out. You can read the show preview in issue three and show report in issue four.

About SGIA

Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) is the premier printing and graphic arts trade organization that provides members with cutting edge resources, tools and education to promote growth and convergence into new market segments. SGIA members have unparalleled access to current industry information, trends and events. SGIA-produced events include, but are not limited to, PRINTING United (Dallas; October 23 - 25, 2019) and Graphics of the Americas (Miami; February 27 - 29, 2020).

About NAPCO Media

NAPCO Media is a business-to-business media company serving printing and packaging, publishing, marketing, retail and non-profit, and promotional products industries. Its mission is to build community between its audience and clients through integrated media programs, research, video services, events, marketing services, and e-learning.

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