Reston, VA --April 10, 2003-- Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC) has created a special section available for the first time on the show floor at the upcoming GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO 2003, September 27 - October 1 at McCormick Place South, Chicago, IL, devoted exclusively to exhibits and vendors offering mailing and fulfillment products and services. This new exhibit area, called the Mailing and Fulfillment Center, is the centerpiece of a concerted effort by GASC to educate and inform attendees of the opportunity presented by mailing and fulfillment services as an adjunct to their current offerings to their customers. As more and more printers and converters extend their markets anddiversify their service offering beyond ink on paper, more and more of them are turning downstream in the long-run production chain to offer mailing and fulfillment services. This can be a natural extension, as most of such material is eventually mailed or shipped. A recent study conducted by the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL) for their State of the Industry Report showed that nearly 70% of respondents plan to offer fulfillment and/or mailing services in the coming 12-18 months. And with margins running in the 4-6% range, this service can be much more than a value-add for most printers and converters. "Printers and converters are recognizing that this type of serviceis of value to clients, and that it enhances their printing revenue as well. When asked if offering value-added services such as mailing and fulfillment increased their revenue from traditional sources as well, respondents answered in the affirmative over 4-1," said Andy Paparozzi, Chief Economist for NAPL, who conducted the study. "Mailing and fulfillment services are one of the key opportunities our attendees can take advantage of to diversify their business, while providing a highly-valued service to a variety of customers. They can find everything they need to make a informed business decision based on what they learn in the Mailing & Fulfillment Center," said Regis J. Delmontagne, president of Graphic Arts Show Company, the event's producer. Among the opportunities available as part of this effort is a series of seminars, as part of GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO's traditional education offering, presented by industry professionals and top experts in the field of mailing and fulfillment services. In addition GASC will present a series of FREE seminars situated in a special theater on the show floor. These will feature shorter, more focused sessions on operational issues, postal regulations, and other pertinent subjects, presented by a mix of top consultants to that industry sector and key vendors of supplies and equipment. Additionally, the traditional day-before-the-show conference, EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK, will also offer sessions on diversification, mailing and fulfillment, and ancillary services, providing an executive summary of the challenges and rewards possible when entering the mailing and fulfillment market. Live demonstrations of equipment and software from top manufacturersand suppliers, top experts and thousands of peers ready to share ideas and information round out the picture of a complete educational opportunity for business professionals wishing to "do their homework" before adding mailing and fulfillment services to their mix of offerings. Additional details about GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO can be found at www.gasc.org, where updated information will be posted frequently in the months leading up to the show.