The Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC) has announced the 17th annual EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK, the popular pre-show trends conference that takes place on the eve of GRAPH EXPO is scheduled for Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Chicago's McCormick Place South.  GRAPH EXPO 2012, the America's largest graphic communications exhibition and educational conference, opening the following day will run October 7 - 10, 2012, in McCormick Place South.

After 16 years of a predominant technology focus, the program has been enhanced to provide a more blended analysis of key marketing trends with new technology enhancements.  With the theme, "Using Marketing and Technology to Innovate and Thrive," this year's EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK promises a dynamic conference that will provide attendees with indispensable information on how to use technology to propel their marketing initiatives to gain a competitive advantage in today's economy.

"With market forces changing so quickly, leaders must focus on the latest communication strategies to secure a competitive edge.  Savvy printers recognize that effective customer outreach is an ongoing dialogue that requires a 'multi-media' approach.  EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK provides insights about the technologies and tools that can best serve your company to enhance this conversation," said Ralph Nappi, President of GASC.

EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK 2012 will kick off with a keynote address from Jeff Hayzlett, best-selling author and President of the Hayzlett Group, who will share the essential business lessons to lead, drive change, and grow profits.

Following the keynote will be a series of well-timed sessions to address the unique marketing issues faced by graphic communications professionals today that will:

* Reveal the secrets for thriving in a 'transcended media age' with Dr. Samir Husni, Director of the Magazine Innovation Center, the University of Mississippi

* Present a lively panel discussion with "Messages from Top Marketeers" who will share how you can be part of their team, moderated by Gina Testa, Vice President, Graphic Communications Industry Business, Xerox, plus

* Examine "Trends in Workflow and Production Management Software," with Jeff White, General Manager-Monarch, EFI.

EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK will also offer a series of brief-but-detailed "vignettesö that shed light on which technologies graphic communications professionals should be looking to invest in at GRAPH EXPO 2012, with updates on:

* Printed Electronics
* Traditional Press Technology
* Update on Variable Data
* Advances in Toner Technology, and
* Update on Inkjet Presses and Imprinting.

Assimilating all of the marketing and technology updates of the day will be a special session on "Integrating Social Media in to your Marketing Mix" with John Foley, chief Executive Officer, Grow Socially.

As the program draws to a close, participants will be among the first to hear the announcement of the "Best in Category" 2012 MUST SEE 'EMS exhibits and products.  A highlight of the EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK Conference, the MUST SEE 'EMS are the technologies and products chosen by a panel of industry experts as being the most compelling at the show.  These designations provide a roadmap to the exhibits and technologies that attendees should make a point of seeking out at GRAPH EXPO.

EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK will conclude with the announcement of the Positively Print program awardee.  The program, launched in 2010, recognizes graphic communications companies that most successfully promote in their communications the power of print in today's media mix.  For complete details and entry forms for the Positively Print program, visit: www.positivelyprint.org.

Recognized as the most expansive exhibition in the Americas of offset, digital and hybrid technologies, products and services for the commercial, transactional, converting and package printing, publishing, mailing, in-plant, photo imaging and marketing industries, this year's "Print Integrated" themed GRAPH EXPO will offer an exciting show-going experience for a diverse spectrum of attendees.  The tradeshow will present the latest graphic communications technologies in live equipment demonstrations across the show floor and education on the most in-demand products and newest profit-making opportunities.

For more information about the EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK conference, visit: www.graphexpo.com/SessionsEvents/EXECUTIVEOUTLOOK.aspx.  For more information or to register for GRAPH EXPO and also its extensive seminar program, visit: www.graphexpo.com.