ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The 2009 Graphic Users Association (GUA) North American Conference boasts an expanded program to help graphic communication service providers become more profitable by increasing efficiencies throughout their operations. Sponsored by Kodak and managed by the GUA Board, the 2009 GUA North American Conference, themed "Efficiency Revealed," takes place May 17-20 at Orlando's Grande Lakes Resort.

This year's event includes a number of features designed to facilitate a greater sharing of knowledge among more participants. As an additional benefit this year, attendees will receive a $4,000 credit, up from $3,000 last year, toward the purchase of any graphic communications products from Kodak. Up to three people per company can receive the credit when registering by April 15.

For the first time, the conference encompasses Kodak's entire portfolio of prepress, workflow and digital printing solutions for conventional, digital and blended production environments. Also debuting in 2009, attendees will find a number of presentations for owners, executives, technology managers and operators on building, maintaining and implementing tools to drive a successful print business. GUA University includes in-depth classes on several of Kodak's workflow products and techniques on topics such as color management and automation.

Informational sessions, hands-on labs, case studies, and roundtable discussions provide attendees an opportunity to learn about and offer feedback on a range of subjects, including technologies, equipment and software. Kodak and industry experts will present topics such as enhancing ROI throughout a print business, digital press integration, the latest developments in direct mail, ink savings, lean manufacturing, web to print, and opportunities in packaging. Product managers will offer the latest information and plans for a number of Kodak's solutions.

"Given current economic conditions, we put together this year's GUA conference with one overarching goal in mind: providing attendees with an outstanding value for their investment by giving them the tools and resources they need to optimize their operations now and set a course for sustained excellence in the future," said Tom Clifford, Prepress Specialist with RR Donnelley in Appleton, Wis., and GUA President. "Through a focus on maximizing efficiency, this year's GUA North American Conference promises relevant content that members can draw on to immediately enhance their productivity and profitability."

When registering by April 15, attendees pay a registration fee of $1,095, a $100 savings. For an event agenda and additional conference information, as well as to register and obtain special hotel rates, go to www.gua2009.com.

Planning to attend this year's conference is Roger Schutte, Director of Production Technology, J.S. McCarthy Printers. "Attending the GUA conference is one of the smartest business decisions we've ever made. Aside from receiving GUA credits, which we use toward the purchase of KODAK PRINERGY Products, the value of the information my company receives in exchange for my time away from the office is huge. I look forward to continuing to learn the intimate details of the critical applications used in my production environment from Kodak's product managers and developers and also from the sharpest power users in the land. I encourage everyone to attend the GUA conference."           

KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support. KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.