June 10, 2003 -- RESTON, VA - "Selecting the best technology to satisfy the changing demands of customers in shifting, highly competitive markets to achieve profitability in difficult economic times will be the focus of the EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK 2003 Conference," Regis J. Delmontagne, President of the Graphic Arts Show Company and Conference Sponsor announced today. "EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK will be held at McCormick Place, Chicago, on Saturday, September 27, the day before GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO 2003 opens for four-days. William C. Lamparter, President of the PrintCom Consulting Group, will chair the all-day conference now in its 8th year," Delmontagne announced. The full-day EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK Conference is structured to provide printers with information that will help them evaluate how new products and technologies can be blended with the old to create opportunities even when business conditions are difficult. "Profiting With the Right Technology - Struggling Without It - A Print Manager's Survival Kit" was selected as the theme for the Conference to emphasize the fact that profitable survival is highly dependent upon the proper use of the technologies that can effectively produce the products being demanded by quality-conscious, deadline-sensitive print buyers. "Printers that are falling behind the technology curve are finding it difficult to compete with their counterparts and the burgeoning alternative electronic media. EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK is a technology information smorgasbord that will help printing executives assess the equipment, software and materials that will be exhibited at GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO," Lamparter said. "Although the focus of the Conference will be on the practical application of technology, the full spectrum of industry issues and opportunities will be explored," Lamparter said. Setting the stage for consideration of technology will be Andy Paparozzi, VP and Director of the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL) Economics Research Center, who will address how the printing industry is being redefined, the impact of business economics on print, what's ahead for the economy in 2004 and what it means for print. All of which is vital information for printers planning for 2004. One of the most popular diversification opportunities being pursued by printers - expansion into mailing and fulfillment services - will be reviewed in a special session. Although mailing and fulfillment is seen as a logical business extension, there are a plethora of caveats about equipment, software, and most importantly the various business models to be considered. Under the tutelage of industry consultant Clint Bolte, President of C. Clint Bolte & Associates, an experienced group of panelists will review mailing and fulfillment operations providing immediate as well as long term operational insights. The expert panel will provide practical operating information, which will be of value to the newcomer as well as the experienced service provider. Recognizing that technology coupled with people and a customer responsive business model are success drivers at profitable companies, a Conference session will feature a review of these factors. Ray Prince, the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation's well-known technology guru will kick off the session by sharing his views on important and emerging technologies. Prince will then moderate a panel of suppliers, printers and consultants, each of whom will provide a profit-leader vignette illustrating specific ingredients for success. Other Conference sessions will cover a range of topics including computer-to-plate, metal and poly plate technology, 2- and 4-up printing production, digital photography, ink developments, proofing, material handling, variable data digital printing, radio-frequency identification tags, computer integrated manufacturing, the impact of the "new" post office, human resources and training, as well as packaging and converting trends and opportunities. A technology highlight of EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK will be the 2003 edition of the popular "MUST SEE 'EMS" program identifying products and services selected by a panel of industry editors and consultants as the "don't miss technology" and new product features of GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO.