SPI Magazine Gems

SGIA 2018SGIA Expo 2018 will take place from 18–20 October 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada (USA), and will help you plan ahead and make the best decisions for your business. This year’s show will include more than 550 exhibitors, filling an exposition hall of the size of 10 football fields. Over 20,000 visitors are expected.

Trade shows and events | by Marion Zuurveen

“Every day, new innovations change the way we do things in printing, and the SGIA Expo brings the industry together to prepare for what’s on the horizon,” said Ford Bowers, President and CEO of Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA). Robust educational programming and networking opportunities will allow attendees insight into the latest trends and innovations in the printing industry. Moreover, the expansive show floor will show them in action.

The Show Floor

The show floor will be fitted with wall-to-wall machinery, applications and consumables, created by experts who are responding to change with cutting-edge innovations.

“We have filled over 273,000 net square feet of booth space with more than 550 exhibitors. The 2018 SGIA Expo will be buzzing with excitement,” said Lexy Olisko, Vice President of Expositions, SGIA.

Among the exhibiting companies are EFI, GSG, Kornit Digital, Mimaki USA Inc., OKI Data Americas, OmniPrint, STAHLS’ and Top Value Fabrics.

On the show floor, new technologies will be introduced to you and manufacturers will explain what these offerings can tell you about the future of printing and your business.

WEB_SGIA2Educating the Industry

The SGIA Expo complements its array of exhibitor offerings with an extensive educational program. The expo pass gives access to 72 sessions that will spotlight important topics.

“This year’s educational programming taps the knowledge of dozens of industry experts and provides attendees numerous opportunities to learn from exhibitors, print providers and industry consultants,” said Dan Marx, Director of Content Development, SGIA. “Given the breadth of the programming, and the flexibility of the Expo + Education pass, attendees can craft their own experiences to meet the specific needs of their businesses.”

Sessions will be held throughout all three days of the show. A variety of topics will be covered such as: “Preparing artwork for digital/hybrid printing” by Thomas Trimingham of M&R Companies, “The Multiple Print/Cut Technologies available in today’s garment decoration” by Daniel Valade of Roland DGA, “Understanding the reclaim process and products” by Alan Howe from Saati Chemicals and “A Guide to cutting heat transfer vinyl: top opportunities and best practices” by Ben Robinson and Jenna Sackett from Stahls’.

This year, two half-day education sessions on essential small business strategies and wide-format 101, essential skills for success, are included as well. They will take place on Wednesday 17 October from 1 to 4:30 pm and will provide thought-provoking presentations from panels of experts.

Information on all sessions can be found at www.sgia.org/expo/2018/education/sessions-day.

Events during the show

FP3 Luncheon
On Thursday 18 October from 12 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the functional printing process and products luncheon can be joined. Your menu includes a speaker from the 2019 Functional Printing, Process and Products (FP3) conference, conversations and connections. Tickets for $30 can be purchased at www.sgia.org/expo/2018/events/FP3-luncheon.

Brands Talking Sustainability Luncheon
On Thursday 18 October at 2 p.m., attendees can join the Brands Talking Sustainability Luncheon. The speakers will explain why your sustainability efforts matter to them and talk about their goals and objectives for their sustainability efforts. Questions can be asked and there will be time to network with peers and find new ways to engage with your customer base on sustainability-related issues. Tickets for $30 can be purchased at  www.sgia.org/expo/2018/events/brands-talking-sustainability-luncheon.

Opening Night Party
On Thursday 18 October from 7 to 9 p.m., the Opening Night Party can be joined. With your badge you will receive drinks and snacks free of charge at a venue with its own appeal.

Women in Print Alliance Breakfast
On Friday 19 October from 7:30 to 9 a.m., attendees can participate in the Women in Print Alliance Breakfast for a morning of connection and education. Work experiences can be shared with other women in the industry. Tickets for $30 can be purchased at www.sgia.org/expo/2018/events/women-in-print-breakfast.

Garment Decorators Luncheon
On Friday 19 October from 12 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., SGIA’s Garment Decoration Committee can be joined for lunch and networking. Ricardo Crespo will give you an inside look at ThreadX2019. Tickets for $30 can be purchased at: www.sgia.org/expo/2018/events/garment-decorators-luncheon.

Competitions

Wrap Team Challenge
Each day at booth 4118, the Wrap Team Challenge can be watched. During this challenge,  two-person wrap teams will race to wrap the side of a car in 20 minutes or less.The champion round takes place on Saturday 20 October.

Two-person teams can participate and show their wrapping speed and skills during this event. The winners of the first prize receive $2,000, the second prize winners $1,000 and third prize winners $500. Registration fees are $150 per two-person teams. Teams can register at www.sgia.org/expo/2018/events/worlds-fastest-wrap-championship.

Golden Image Competition
At the Golden Image Gallery, the sent in entries for the Golden Image Award Competition can be viewed. Every entrant is automatically considered for the People’s Choice Award. The contest is open to all SGIA members. First entry is free, but subsequent submissions are charged $35 entry fee. Entries must arrive at the SGIA depository between 20 September and 5 October 2018. Gold, silver, bronze or honourable mention recognition can be achieved. Gold winners are considered for the Best in Show designation and all entries are eligible for the People’s Choice award. Judging will take place on Wednesday 17 October. The winners will be posted on SGIA.org and notified by email on Thursday 18 October.

Product of the Year competition
During the show, attendees will also be able to see the winning entries of the Product of the Year competition at the Golden Image Gallery. Participants have sent in a record 255 outstanding products in different categories including direct-to-garment printing, screenprinting and digital inks. The deadline for entry has now passed.

Tom Frecska Student Printing Competition
At the Golden Image Gallery, all sent in entries for the Tom Frecska Student Printing Competition will be on display as well. Entrants represent secondary (high school and vocational) students and post-secondary (technical school, college or university) students. The winners will be awarded at the show. The deadline for entry has now passed.