FOSTER CITY, Calif. - EFI, a world leader in customer-focused digital printing innovation, announced that this year's Connect 2013 is nearly sold out, and 100% of its partner exhibit space filled, with just a week to go week before the event kicks off.

The event, which takes place January 15-18 at the Wynn Las Vegas, is the industry's best venue for open dialogue and idea-exchange. Now in its 14th year, EFI Connect caters to graphic arts business leaders' need for continued innovation, smarter operation and profitable growth opportunities.

"Businesses that have made it through the last few years have done so by committing to higher-value services and cost-effective operations," said Frank Mallozzi, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing at EFI. "We are completely focused on getting our customers to achieve those goals, and that is reflected in the high number of registrations for this year's Connect event."

Graphic arts professionals from nearly every segment of the industry will attend to participate in more than 150 sessions covering MIS/ERP software, Web-to-print systems, industrial inkjet printers, and Fiery(R) technology. And, Connect's keynote sessions feature prominent innovators and experts. 

-- EFI CEO Guy Gecht will close out the first day of Connect by hosting a fireside discussion with Industry pioneer and Landa Corp. Chairman and CEO Benny Landa.

-- On January 16, renowned industry analyst and educator Frank Romano will discuss industry trends with a panel of print professionals.

-- EFI Fiery Senior Vice President and General Manager Toby Weiss will conduct a panel discussion featuring industry press and analysts at Connect, and EFI Productivity Software Senior Vice President and General Manager Marc Olin will present an update on EFI's expanding portfolio.

EFI Connect has become a must-attend industry event because of its unique offering of innovative technologies and industry thought leadership. In addition to featuring VUTEk(R), EFI Wide Format and Jetrion(R) inkjet production printers, Connect will include a newly enhanced line of JDF-certified Fiery digital front ends, as well as a complete lineup of EFI Productivity Software products. EFI will also demonstrate systems from its two recent acquisitions: web-to-print and dynamic publishing firm Online Print Solutions, and Print MIS/ERP provider Technique.

In addition, EFI Partners participating in Connect include: Bunting Magnetics, Carlson Advisors, Esko, Honle UV America, KIP America, Kodak, Konica Minolta, MBM Corp., Metrix Software, MGI, Ricoh, Xerox, xpedx and Zund.

Connect offers business leaders extensive educational sessions and opportunities to form long-term relationships with industry peers, discuss issues that matter and share business, process and revenue ideas. Live demos in Connect's lab area will feature fully integrated, end-to-end workflows. And as always, the event will include user group meetings and numerous networking opportunities.

For more information and to register for Connect 2013, visit

www.efi.com/connect.