New conference from SGIA and ST Media Group promises connections and knowledge for wide-format executives

Fairfax, Virginia - Industry leaders are supporting WFX, The Wide-Format Exchange, a new conference from the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) and ST Media Group, coming to Minneapolis May 21–23, 2018.

With three days of networking, educational sessions and thought-provoking keynote speakers, WFX 2018 will bring to life the convergence of markets and technologies that is driving the wide-format graphics industry in a setting that encourages personal connections and networking.

“WFX is all about connecting with peers to discuss solutions to common challenges,” said Sarah Perkins, Director of Community Development, SGIA. “Networking events, interactive peer discussions and case studies featuring executives who have transformed their printing businesses will encourage attendees to learn from each other.”

Sponsors include 3M, Canon, Lexjet and Mimaki (Diamond level); Durst, EFI, M&R/Novus, Marabu North America and Vanguard Digital Printing Systems (Platinum level); and Roland, swissQprint and Zünd (Gold level). An advisory council comprising 30 leading printing companies is supporting content creation efforts.

“It’s a time of great change in wide-format printing, but also of great possibilities,” said Steve Duccilli, senior VP of content for ST Media Group and the chair of the inaugural WFX. “We’ll be emphasizing both of those themes in the program – the strategic challenges that face executives across the printing industry today, but also the new markets and applications that are emerging as tremendous growth opportunities.”

WFX is specifically designed for top executives from high-volume, wide-format print providers and printers poised to add wide-format inkjet printing to their businesses. Its agenda features extensive networking opportunities and more than 25 educational sessions:

• Case studies in which executives who have transformed their printing businesses will share strategies that propelled their success and the lessons they’ve learned along the way
• Sessions exploring topics including workflow automation, successful technology adoption, workforce diversity, identifying and assessing competitive threats and innovation
• Interactive peer roundtable discussions on the pressing strategic and industry challenges in the wide-format arena
• A special educational track on emerging opportunities, new applications and developing markets

Rich Thompson, Ad Graphics, a member of the WFX advisory council, is supporting the event because of the opportunity it will provide.

“Over the years I have learned the best way to figure things out is to associate and network with others just like me, which is why I’m such an advocate of events such as WFX. The payback has been more than I ever expected. We share best practices, struggles, and successes to help learn from each other. The exchange of ideas has helped me in my business tremendously,” Thompson said.

WFX, The Wide-Format Experience, takes place May 21–23 at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, in Minneapolis. To be notified when registration opens, visit WFXConference.com.