Fortifying its position as the industry's largest and most innovative graphic communications tradeshow for the Americas, GRAPH EXPO 2011 held September 11-14 in Chicago's McCormick Place, defied a challenging business environment to welcome a notable increase in attendance over the 2010 event.  Among the total 20,451 participants, which included exhibitors and attendees, 13,426 actual verified attendee/buyers-up 7% from 2010-came to the show with a high level of purchasing power to examine, compare and purchase the latest graphic communications technologies. Even more significant was the uptick in participation of high-level decision-makers from among 8,026 unique buyer companies-up 12% compared to the 2010 event.

Based on its commitment to reporting the truest and most accurate attendance numbers the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC) defines 'actual verified attendees' as registered on-site show goers-counted only once-regardless of their number of days at the show, or times they enter the exhibit hall.

GRAPH EXPO 2011 featured a comprehensive exhibition of the very latest profit-enhancing technologies and applications for a diverse spectrum of industry attendees.  This year's show was enhanced by a record 34 co-located conferences, meetings, user groups and activities that afforded attendees a host of new and expanded networking and education opportunities.

According to exhibitor feedback, this year's attendees came 'on a mission' with budgets to spend on the equipment, products, software and applications demonstrated by the 491 exhibiting companies that occupied 300,604 sq. ft. of space across the South Hall of McCormick Place.  There, show goers found 72 first time exhibitors, many of whom joined veteran exhibitors in recognizing the high caliber of attendees and results from this year's show.

Reinforcing the tradeshow's "Embrace Technology" theme, the exhibit hall featured a striking 'Who's-Who' gathering of top industry suppliers and manufacturers who demonstrated their latest and most advanced technologies and services-many making their U.S. debut at GRAPH EXPO 2011.  Next week, highlights of exhibitors' feedback boasting brisk equipment and technology sales on the show floor and productive exchanges with new prospects and existing customers, will be provided in continuing post show coverage.

Next up for the industry is GRAPH EXPO 2012, themed 'Print Integrated' set to take place October 7-10, 2012, at Chicago's McCormick Place. Recognized as the commercial printing, publishing, package printing, newspaper, mailing & fulfillment, transactional, marketing and photo imaging exposition for the Americas, GRAPH EXPO 2012 will debut its newest show floor feature-the Photo Imaging pavilion-for Photo Imagers and Retailers.  Attendees will be able to see the most advanced graphic communications technologies, 'live' running equipment on the show floor, explore the newest applications, and learn about the most in-demand products and profit-making opportunities in the ten special-interest pavilions planned for the show. A host of new and returning co-located events will provide show goers even greater incentive to attend next year's show.  For more information about GRAPH EXPO 2012 visit: www.gasc.org.