MIAMI, FLORIDA, January 12, 2004 – In recognition and support of the many printers entering the mailing sector, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has signed on as a major sponsor and exhibitor at Graphics of the Americas 2004 (GOA 04), among the largest printing shows in the Americas. The USPS is exhibiting in booth number 1829 at GOA, which takes place at the Miami Convention Center January 23-25. The USPS, an industry leader in Direct Mail fulfillment services, provides professional services and consultation for Direct Mail design, production, cost-control, forecasting and post-analysis marketing. Renowned postal system automation consultant Mary Ann Bennett of The Bennett Group says that GOA attendees can realize tremendous savings and productivity by learning how to maximize USPS' advanced systems. The USPS will emphasize education during its GOA engagement. USPS exhibits will be located in the Mailing Systems Zone; a special area of the GOA exposition dedicated to the latest advances in mailing and fulfillment equipment and technology. The Mailing Systems Zone encompasses exhibit space, a presentation theatre, and live demonstrations of mailing system workflows. Surveys from the 2003 GOA show indicated that the number one product area attendees want to see more of is mailing and fulfillment equipment. In addition, the survey showed that over 25% of exhibitors planned to expand equipment and product offerings to include mailing systems, software and associated products. USPS will provide information and professional staff to answer any questions related to Direct Mail Marketing, Mailing/Package Services, USPS On-line Services, Rates, International Mailing and Specialized CRM Tools. The USPS will also seek to educate Direct Mail users and printers regarding best practices and relevant national statistics. Research done by Frank Romano, Professor, Rochester Institute of Technology; and Conference Chair for the TrendVision Conference, the January 22 kick-off to GOA, indicates that 46% of print is delivered through the mail. The US Postal Service is the largest distribution network in the world, delivering more than 200 billion pieces of mail each year to more than 137 million delivery destinations in the US alone. "The support of the USPS allows us to alert more attendees to the opportunities this sector holds for graphic arts professionals," says Chris Price, VP and General Manager of GOA 04. In addition, Price says that the scale of the USPS commitment is evidence of the service’s resolve to help business take full advantage of the efficiencies that print/mail campaigns offer. "Their participation as a sponsor and an exhibitor will help them reach and educate broadly and deeply into the graphic arts community." Nationally recognized postal automation expert Bennett, President and CEO of The Bennett Group, Rochester, New York, says, "Over the course of the last quarter century, the USPS has gone high tech to such an extent that today it stands as one of the world’s most technologically advanced institutions. Along with automating its facilities by installing state of the art processing and distribution equipment and systems, it has also developed a very broad worksharing structure which provides for over 4,000 postage discounts. Learning what these saving incentives are and how to claim them by utilizing today’s mailing industry software and hardware is key for the attendees of GOA 2004." Graphics of the Americas 2004 takes place January 23, 24, and 25 at the Miami Beach Convention Center and is produced annually by the Printing Association of Florida, Inc., an industry trade association. TrendVision, the two day, high-powered strategic conference hosted by the world’s biggest names in publishing, is being held in conjunction with Graphics of the Americas, on January 22 and 23. Complete information, including on-line show and seminar registration, hotel reservations, airline and rental car information, and itinerary planning, is available at www.graphicsoftheamericas.com. For information on exhibiting or becoming a show sponsor, call 1-800-749-4855 x 18. Outside the United States and Canada, please dial 305-558-4855 x 14.