August 31, 2007 - Reston, VA - Wide format printers, sign and banner shops and display companies attending this year's GRAPH EXPO will be treated to the latest production wide format technology, substrates and applications, along with an information-packed educational program specifically designed to help them become more productive and profitable.
GRAPH EXPO, to be held September 9-12 at McCormick Place Chicago, will showcase the largest and broadest demonstration of graphic communications technology in the Western Hemisphere, with live demonstrations of offset, digital, flexo and wide format technologies.  Among the 460,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space and 640 exhibits on the show floor, some 147,500 net sq. ft., including the Wide Format Pavilion, will be devoted to digital presses and technologies-two and a half times more than the next largest digital print show in the United States.
GRAPH EXPO's education program features nearly 70 seminars designed to show printers pathways to the hottest markets, the tools and equipment they'll need to tap them, and the methods they can employ to improve operating efficiency and increase sales and profits. Special themed events and the presence and resources of various media and association partners will supplement the seminars.
"Our goal in creating this year's program is to offer tangible value that attendees can put to use as soon as they return to the office," said Ralph Nappi, president of the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC).  "Wide format printers attending GRAPH EXPO will have many opportunities to maximize their stay in Chicago by investing in many relevant educational seminars and presentations, seeing live demonstrations of the latest wide format software and equipment, and networking with their peers."
GRAPH EXPO's educational seminars and sessions led by industry experts span five days starting with the EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK Conference on Saturday, September 8 through Wednesday, September 12.  Wide format print professionals can opt for a variety of seminars designed to provide practical tips and insights on cutting-edge subjects such as digital asset management (DAM), understanding databases, variable data printing (VDP) and web-to-print.  Other seminars focus on subjects such as color management tips and tricks for digital printing, profiting from digital and on demand printing services, surveying the state of printing today and forecasting where production technology is headed tomorrow.  Registrants can also choose from eight hands-on computer labs led by design professionals to help wide format professionals and others master the latest software solutions.  Additional free educational opportunities exist on the show floor in the Wide Format Pavilion Theater.
Wide format digital imaging is evolving at a breakneck speed with an ever-increasing ability to produce new applications.  Visitors who want to see and explore 'best of the best' examples of images printed on unexpected and versatile substrates must come to the Innovation Gallery (booth no. 4487).  Here they will find fine art, indoor and outdoor signage, plus more than a few surprises and also have an opportunity meet contemporary artist, Jackson Collins, pick up a signed poster of his painting "58 Miles", and register to win "Caribbean Cool", his original painting valued at $2,500.
Complete information and registration for GRAPH EXPO are available online at: www.graphexpo.com.