Reston, VA --March 20, 2003-- From modest displays in 10 x 10-foot spaces to mega-showcases by the industry's biggest names, the exhibitor roster for GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO 2003 continues to grow. Despite continuing economic uncertainty, the year's premier printing, publishing, and converting technology exhibition is expected to achieve a size comparable to the average of past decade's successful predecessors. Major players in all segments of the industry are planning significant displays at McCormick Place this fall. The 10 largest exhibitors by square footage are, in order: Heidelberg, Xerox, MAN Roland, Hewlett Packard, CREO, Komori, Fuji, Muller Martini, KBA, and Kodak Polychrome, according to The Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC), the show's producer. "Our 10 or 15 largest exhibitors would comprise a very complete exhibition all by themselves, embracing every product type from prepress to pressroom to finishing, offering something for companies of every type and size," said GASC President Regis J. Delmontagne. "The power of GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO, though, is that these very large displays represent only a fraction of the total show. In addition to the top 15, we anticipate that more than 450 other companies will display their products and services." Delmontagne expects GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO 2003 to reach a total exhibit size consistent with its average over the last 10 years. During that span-beginning in 1993-the typical GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO event has occupied between 360,000 and 380,000 net square feet. The 2003 event is expected to match those dimensions, a striking distinction at a time when major shows in virtually every industry are suffering substantial declines in exhibitor participation. As in the past, GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO 2003 will combine large, high-profile exhibits with scores of smaller displays mounted by innovative smaller firms, start-ups and industry newcomers. Last year's show, for example, included both 82 booths of 1,000 square feet or more and more than 420 displays of 100 square feet or more. "These smaller exhibits often produce some of the most exciting news at GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO," notes Delmontagne. "And in their sheer number and diversity, they contribute tremendously to the breadth and value of the show." GASC is also striving to increase the show's value further with a roster of new special events. This year will see the launch of a new display area devoted entirely to mailing and fulfillment technologies and equipment, as well as the return of the Wide Format Opportunities Pavilion that had a successful debut at last year's show. In addition, a full complement of seminar sessions on topics spanning the gamut from prepress application updates, to mailing and fulfillment start-up tips, ancillary services to boost profits and economic outlooks to help business professionals plan for their future. Of special interest within the Mailing and Fulfillment Center will be a series of short seminar sessions featuring top manufacturers and consultants from this growing sector. GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO 2003 passed the "80% sold" threshold around the first of the year, several months earlier than the 2002 show did. Since then, GASC has had a steady flow of new space reservations. Additional details about GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO are available at www.gasc.org, where updated information will be posted frequently in the months leading up to the show. Site visitors can also obtain information there about other GASC-managed events, including PRINT 05, GUTENBERG FESTIVAL, GRAPHIC ARTS THE CHARLOTTE SHOW, and VUE/POINT Conference.