SAN FRANCISCO, May 15, 2001 - In an effort to promote the development and prosperity of the printing industry throughout the world, httprint CEO Mark Porter and European Managing Director Barry Hibbert will address international print manufacturers and suppliers at the Seventh World Print Congress (WPC-7) in Beijing, China, on Tuesday, May 22, 2001. "The Challenges Facing the Printing Industry of the 21st Century in a Knowledge-Driven Society" is the theme of this year's six-day event, which runs from May 20-25. Porter and Hibbert will discuss the trend towards outsourcing print management, provide an overview of httprint's services and showcase their new color management technology. httprint, a full-service provider to the print and publishing industry, delivers customized eCommerce solutions and consulting, print management outsourcing, and integrated marketing services to print buyers and sellers throughout North America and Europe. The company plans to further expand its presence and is looking to enter the Asian market in the future. "As a large print buyer and seller, httprint is committed to delivering operational efficiency and streamlined communication via Internet-based solutions that improve production cycles and promote lower costs and better service," said Mark Porter, CEO, httprint. "I am honored to present our print production services and discuss the future of this exciting industry with printing specialists from around the globe at the World Print Congress in Beijing." Founded in 1978, the World Print Congress is an international organization consisting of print associations in various countries. It convenes every four years. WPC-7 will be the organization's largest gathering to date, with more than 2,000 participants from 20 countries expected to attend the event at the Beijing International Convention Center (BICC). CEOs and senior managers from Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., Heidelberg Druckmaschien AG, Apple Computer, Creo-Scitex Asia-Pacific, the European Commission, Kodak Polychrome Graphics, Xerox Corporation and Adobe Systems Incorporated will discuss advances in printing technology, customer relationship management, industry trends and supplier needs. The role of the Internet in the printing industry will likely be a major issue that panelists discuss at the event. Leading worldwide consulting firm CAP Ventures reports that, although only 17 percent of print is partially procured via the Internet, this number is expected to reach almost 80 percent by 2005 - representing a 42 percent compound annual growth rate.