February 28, 2003 -- GRAPHIC ARTS THE CHARLOTTE SHOW is set to return to the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, March 13-15. In the face of national economic uncertainty, the show’s producer, Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC), anticipates a solid success. Although the last two or three years have been hard on trade shows in general (and regional events in particular), GASC expects to host some 10,000 people in Charlotte. Partly, this turnout reflects the dynamism of the printing and publishing marketplace in the Southeastern U.S. Annual print sales in the region served by GRAPHIC ARTS THE CHARLOTTE SHOW exceed $17 billion, GASC says. The exhibitor roster should be around 200 companies, reflecting the event’s special role in marketing to regional business leaders. “Regional trade shows differ from national and international events in important ways,” noted GASC President Regis J. Delmontagne. “The exhibitor list often includes many regional multi-line dealers who don’t take part in the larger national events, but who are critically important sources of products, support and education to their customers. Similarly, show visitors expect a high level of personal attention and more direct, one-on-one meeting time when they visit a regional event.” GASC points out that 75 percent of attendees at GRAPHIC ARTS THE CHARLOTTE SHOW say they don’t go to any other shows in a typical year. For vendors, the show delivers an unduplicated audience. For visitors, it’s a chance to see products and demonstrations that aren’t available anywhere else. This year’s event will incorporate several new features designed to appeal to printers looking for growth in such areas as flexography and wide format digital imaging. The new FLEXOTEK Showcase will host over 20 exhibitors displaying equipment and supplies related to flexography. The Wide Format Opportunities Pavilion will host a series of exhibitors constructing a complete workflow from capture to final finishing, including AGFA, Canon USA, Castle Graphics, GBC Films Group and more. Through its alliance with the Printing Industry of the Carolinas (PICA), GASC is staging more than 60 educational seminars and workshops. Complete show details and online registration are available at www.charlotteshow.com