Graphics of the Americas Conference & Expo (GOA) is the one-stop event of 2012, where attendees rendezvous with the world's foremost experts to see the latest in printing and graphic arts technology, live. Many free events are being offered to show attendees, and, for a limited time, complimentary attendee passes can be accessed on the GOA website, here. GOA takes place March 1-3, 2012, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

GOA rolls out the red carpet for its attendees by teaming up with industry leaders to provide further education through its live demonstrations and specialized bonus sessions.

George Ryan, GOA president, says, "You will be hard-pressed to find another conference and expo that offers as many myriad learning opportunities in such an exciting format - not to mention at no cost - as GOA. Each year we succeed in featuring the hottest trends and practical demonstrations so that attendees can see, first-hand, the immediate opportunities available to them to both grow and prosper in today's marketplace."

GOA attendees get the red carpet treatment
In its 37th year, GOA sees attendees return to take advantage of new product and technologies being showcased and often, debuting, by the large number of exhibitors. Attendees also maximize their show investment by attending the free events made available to them throughout the show.

A sampling of show floor events at GOA 2012 include, but are not limited to:
The Expo Theater
Ten powerful, future-oriented sessions are on the tap at the easily accessible Expo Theater located directly on the show floor. Sessions geared toward the latest market trends are presented by executives from exhibiting companies at the show.
 
Direct-to-Garment Center
In the Direct-to-Garment Center, attendees get a first-hand look at digital garment decoration technologies. Attendees can scour the area for solutions that fit their needs - and to learn techniques, tips, tricks and trends to improve production accuracy and prevent errors.
 
Wide Format Print Shop Live!
A show favorite, visitors engage in this innovative and live, end-to-end workflow platform. Production managers are invited to bring real job files that are test-run on an array of digital technologies, software, and consumables, to reflect a live working environment right on the show floor. Observe the "how-to" area, hosted by Dr. Mark Bohan, Vice President, Technology and Research, Printing Industries of America; to discover the best way to employ technologies and optimize production efficiency, as well as to take note of a variety of innovative applications.
 
Vehicle Wrap Center
The Vehicle Wrap Center features live vehicle wrap demonstrations of vinyl installations by MUTOH and Arlon. Installers get firsthand tips, tricks and techniques to improve their skills, and graphic imagers can use this area to connect with qualified installers. Graphics are printed by the 64" ValueJet 1614 using Arlon's DPF 6000XRP, a 2-mil gloss white cast film with bubble releasing, tinted, repositionable, permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive.
 
Vehicle Wrap Cup
Back by popular demand, FESPA presents the vehicle wrap competition where the "wrap stars" of the Americas region will be pitted against each other and the clock to find the FESPA Wrap Cup Champion of the Americas.
 
Bonus Sessions
Each year, GOA organizes free Bonus Sessions that focus on technology trends having a positive impact on attendees' businesses. The following sessions address some of the foremost topics at the current time in the industry:
 
Increase Response Rates through Integrated Digital Print and Electronic Media
David Murphy, HP
Thursday, March 1 - 10:30 - 11:45 am
 
This presentation offers proof of how digital print - when strategically integrated with social media, email, and other electronic technologies - generates higher response rates and greater customer engagement than pure electronic channels can yield on their own.
 
Color Management
Heidelberg
Thursday, March 1 - 2:00 - 3:15 pm
 
In a fast-paced, one and a half-hour Q&A format, Heidelberg experts answer questions about how to reduce makeready times; how to save labor and material costs with existing equipment; how to determine actual production costs for specific customers; and information about G7 certification.
 
Maximizing Efficiencies through Automation
Steve Miller, Kodak
Friday, March 2 - 2:00 - 3:15 pm
 
The challenges in today's marketplace require true automation and integration to separate best-in-class print service providers from their competition. Whether you are a package printer, or specialize in publishing or commercial print, success lies on investments being utilized to their fullest potential. By automating and integrating business production workflow systems, printers will drive costs out of their workflow systems through increased visibility, streamlined efficiencies, reduction of manual touch points and minimizing human error.

Sponsorship opportunities   
A limited number of sponsorship packages are available for show floor sessions and events. For more information, please visit: www.goa2012.com , or call 407-240-8009 to speak with a member of the GOA sales team.