SGIA Expo 2017 will take place 10–12 October in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA and will again offer networking possibilities. This year’s show will include more than 540 exhibitors and over 20,000 visitors are expected, of whom more than 20% will be from outside the United States.

Trade shows and events | by Marion Zuurveen

You can participate in more than 40 sessions on need-to-know topics including technology, business management and production issues. Your expo and education pass gives you access to every conference section. The sessions are related to topics such as Graphic and Sign, Garment Decoration, Industrial Imaging and Business Management.

Events during the show

Garment Decorators Luncheon

On Wednesday 11 October, invited visitors can join SGIA’s Garment Decoration Committee for lunch, networking and the announcement of the new SGIA 2018 conference for garment decorators. There will also be round-table discussions led by members of the SGIA Garment Decoration Committee. To request an invitation you can visit the Events area of www. SGIAExpo.org.

Community Reception

On Tuesday 10 October you can join the Community Reception at the Golden Image Gallery (La Nouvelle Ballroom) for free for a happy hour and networking. You will also find inspiration in the Golden Image Gallery.

Brands Talking Sustainability

On Tuesday 10 October at 2 pm, major retailers and brands discuss the importance of sustainability to their businesses. During this lunch you can network with your peers and find out what national brands and retailers expect from print providers and you can also bring your most challenging questions. Participation costs are US$30.

Women in Print Alliance Breakfast

On Wednesday 11 October from 7:30 ‒ 9 am you can participate in the Women in Print Alliance Breakfast with keynote speaker Fawn Germer, who has influenced the day-to-day performance of professionals and organisations. SGIA created the Women in Print Alliance to attract the next generation of gifted women to the printing industry. Participation costs are US$30.

SGIA Awards

Golden Image Award Competition

At the Golden Image Gallery on the second floor in the La Nouvelle ballroom you can view the entries received for the Golden Image Award Competition. The contest is open to all SGIA members and your first entry is free; subsequent submissions incur a $35 entry fee. You can receive gold, silver, bronze or honourable mention recognition. Gold winners are considered for the Best in Show designation, and all entries are eligible for the People’s Choice award. Judging takes place on Monday, October 9, with winners posted on SGIA.org and notified by email on Tuesday, October 10. All entries must arrive at SGIA depository in New Orleans between 16 September and 4 October 2017.

Product of the Year competition

During the show you will also be able to see the winning entries of the Product of the Year competition at the Golden Image Gallery. The participants have sent in outstanding products in different categories including direct-to-garment printing. The entry deadline has now passed.

Tom Frecska Student Printing Competition

There will be the opportunity to see the entries for the Tom Frecska Student Printing Competition at the Golden Image Gallery. If you are a student you can show the imaging industry your work. Entrants represent secondary (high school and vocational) students and post-secondary (technical school, college or university) students. All entries must be submitted online and arrive at the SGIA depository in New Orleans by 4 October 2017. The winners will be awarded at the show.

Show information

  • Opening hours:
  • Tuesday 10 October: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Wednesday 11 October: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Thursday 12 October: 9:00am – 3:00pm
  • Opening hours Golden Image Gallery:
  • Tuesday 10 October: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Wednesday 11 October: 9:00am – 5:00pm
  • Thursday 12 October: 9:00am – 1:00pm
  • Address:
  • Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
  • 901 Convention Center Blvd
  • New Orleans, LA 70130
  • USA
  • Visitor badge:

For more information on SGIA Expo 2017 or a visitor badge visit: https://www.sgia.org/expo/2017a/ where you can also register for an entrance badge.

SGIA members who register before 13 September will receive a free Expo and Education pass. Non-SGIA members pay US$99 if they register before 13 September. After 13 September entrance costs are US$35 for SGIA members and US$99 for non-SGIA members for three days.

From: Stitch & Print International issue 3-2017

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