Information-packed conference will deliver compelling keynotes, extensive educational sessions, hands-on lab area, leading industry exhibitors and first-ever product auction

Foster City, Calif – EFI, a world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation, today announced the keynote speakers for the 11th annual Connect users' conference taking place April 18 to April 21 at the Wynn Las Vegas – Robert Tapella and Joan B. Davidson. The complete schedule of over 120 break-out sessions is also now available online at www.efi.com/connect including "best-practices" discussions and valuable training opportunities for EFI Monarch (Hagen), Pace, PrintSmith, Logic and PSI. Additionally, product demonstrations and educational sessions will cover EFI Fiery, VUTEk and Jetrion solutions.

Robert Tapella is the nation's 25th Public Printer and serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Government Printing Office. Responsible for more than $1 billion in print-related revenue, Tapella will share his print industry insight based on his experience overseeing production and distribution of information products and services for all three branches of the Federal Government. He will address the conference on opening night, Sun., April 18th.

On Tues. morning April 20th, attendees will hear from Joan B. Davidson, Group President of Sheridan Publications Services at The Sheridan Group, and recent recipient of the prestigious NAPL Soderstrom Award. Davidson will share a wealth of in-depth knowledge of operational efficiency improvements gleaned from industry experience that includes her recent tenure as Chairman of the NAPL Board of Directors.

"We're excited for Connect attendees to hear from these two great industry insiders, and to take away valuable insights and lessons they can apply in their own roles," said Frank Mallozzi, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing, EFI. "Keynote presentations are just one part of the Connect experience – leaders from around the globe can attend in-depth educational sessions, test drive the latest EFI products and industry vendor offerings, voice their opinions at user group meetings, discuss industry trends, and network with peers, all while enjoying the luxurious Wynn Las Vegas at a special rate of $169 a night. Connect is an excellent opportunity for print providers to position their business for the months and quarters to come."

Sheila Morgan, owner of Lipps Printing in New Orleans, said: "During a downturn in the economy, we attend Connect to look for the next thing we can do to make things better, to prepare our business. There's always something we learn -- the interaction with other users, other owners and the EFI staff is invaluable."

This year's conference will also host the first annual Connect Auction. The live auction will be held during the sponsors' appreciation reception on Mon., April 19th, and will feature over 50 items including everything from add-on software and consulting services to a new management system. Most items will be offered with a very low reserve or with no reserve at all. Auction items will be provided by EFI and participating partners and a portion of all proceeds will go to the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF).