Miami, FL – June 22, 2004 – To address the burgeoning wide-format category, Graphics of the Americas (GOA) 2005 announces the addition of a Wide-Format/ Sign & Banner exhibit hall. The 30th “pearl anniversary” GOA conference and exhibition event is scheduled for February 4-6, 2005 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. GOA is the second largest graphic arts and converting show in America, hosting the vital Southeast and Northeast U.S., as well as Latin American and Caribbean, markets. “Wide-format is hot, and suppliers say they need more, and bigger, venues to show their solutions to a very hungry marketplace,” says Chris Price, GOA Vice President and General Manager. According to GAMIS (Graphic Arts Marketing Information Service) research, wide-format equipment produced $10 billion in retail products. Wide-format printing anticipates an 11% annual growth rate through 2006. GOA began showcasing wide-format digital printing in 1997, and Price reports that since that time super-wide and grand-format have been seen with increasing frequency on the show floor. In fact, GOA exhibit data confirms that in the 7 years wide-format focused exhibits have grown 20-fold. Price explains, “The wide-format and sign and banner area is as dynamic as a trading floor. Buyers are making comparisons and purchasing wide-format, sign and banner printing equipment, substrates and media, consumables and accessories. This fast growing demand is the impetus behind the decision to dedicate and expand the exhibit area, targeted at delivering more printers, equipment and consumables to our attendees and generating new leads and sales to our exhibiting vendors.” Some of the most influential manufacturers and distributors of large-format digital printing and products, sign and banner printing, and consumables exhibit, market and sell at Graphics of the Americas. Exhibitors have included renowned vendors such as: AB Dick, Ad Graphics Aeromatrix, Digital Graphics Systems, Digital Technology Group, Encad, Hewlett Packard, MacDermid Colorspan, Mardel Imaging, Mimaki, Neon 2000, Oce, Prisma Colors, Runjiang/RTZ Company, Roland, Saul Signs, Sign Supply, Vutek and Xerox. In addition to broad access to highly targeted prospects and buyers, the new GOA Wide-format/Sign & Banner Hall offers exhibitors: - A presence on the official show web site’s Wide-format/Sign & Banner Hall page - Promotion through e-mail blasts to show prospects and registrants - Listing in a direct-mail campaign to your potential buyers - New-product coverage in the December 2004 Graphics Update Magazine Additional benefits are available for larger exhibits. For information on exhibiting or becoming a show sponsor, call 1-800-749-4855 x 18. From outside the United States and Canada, please dial 305-558-4855 x 18.