It’s the largest printing industry trade show in North America. Here’s how it applies to graphics and signage producers and installers.

Fairfax, Virginia - With more than 40 educational sessions and special events, plus over 570 exhibitors, the 2017 SGIA Expo (New Orleans, October 10–12) is more than a trade show. It’s the largest printing industry event in North America. To get the most from it, you’ll need a strategy that puts your business’ needs first.

Explore the Floor
One of the many things that sets the SGIA Expo apart is the way it brings the various communities within printing together to inspire creative imaging solutions. As you plan your trip, take a look at some of the new products you’ll find at the 2017 SGIA Expo.

“The SGIA Expo allows you to make the most of time away from the shop by exposing you to the greatest breadth of printing technologies you’ll find in one place,” said Ford Bowers, President & CEO, SGIA.

“Boundaries between market segments continue to blur,” Bowers continues. “The more you see, the better equipped your business will be to adapt and compete.”

Consider the Context
Your printing business doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Those blurring market segments change the way you need to approach your shop — whether you’re talking about technology, marketing or personnel. Special events at the Expo combine education and networking for a deeper dive into the issues that are shaping your business.

• New for 2017, Your Business: Prepare for Success (Monday, October 9, 1:00–5:00 pm) is designed specifically for new businesses wanting to get off to a strong start and established businesses seeking to avoid growing pains. Topics include how to maximize your time, branding, sales and strategies for running a successful business.
• Wide-Format 101: Four Steps to Profitability (Monday, October 9, 1:00–5:00 pm) returns, updated for 2017. The half-day session brings the perspective of experience to topics including technology and markets, color management and equipment strategies, materials and finishing, and lessons learned.
• Brands Talking Sustainability Luncheon (Tuesday, October 10, 12:00–2:00 pm) — Ann Inc., REI and Starbucks discuss the importance of sustainability to their businesses — and how that applies to their printer partners.
• Celebrate the close of Day One at the Welcome Reception (Tuesday, October 10, 5:00–6:00 pm), in the Golden Image Gallery (La Nouvelle Ballroom). You’ll mix, mingle and take in the best prints in the world. Sponsored by SA International.
• Women in Print Alliance Breakfast (Wednesday, October 11, 7:30–9:00 am) — Keynote speaker Fawn Germer leads a critical discussion on leadership and work-life balance.
• Wrap Like a Pro (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm) — Hands-on wrap training with industry leaders. They’ll have plenty of cars, plenty of vinyl and plenty of time to help you perfect your art.

Education is Key
“The Expo floor is a starting point and an education unto itself,” said Dan Marx, Director of Industry Content, SGIA. “What you’ll learn in our conference-style educational sessions will complement and expand upon what you’ll see and learn on the floor.”

The following sessions are included with the Expo + Education Pass ($99 through September 12, then $115; free to SGIA members and exhibitors):

October 10, 2017

9:00–10:15 am
All Aboard! How to Find, Retain and Motivate Great Talent
Vince DiCecco, Your Personal Business Trainer Inc
Getting Traction in your Graphics Business
Tom Trutna, INK BIG Display Graphics
It's Not About the Printing: Project Logistics Case Studies
Rich Thompson, AdGraphics; Brian Hite, Image Options; Terry Corman, Corman Synergy Inc., dba Firehouse Image Center

10:30–11:45 am
For Long-Term Growth, Consider Bringing Wide Format and Cutsheet Under the Same Roof
Dan Johansen, Ricoh
Graphic Installation Directions Session
Dan Marx, SGIA
The Latest in UV Equipment, Inks & Trends (In Partnership with Radtech)
Jim Raymont, EIT, LLC

1:00–2:15 pm
Mastering the Wide World of Pressure Sensitive Materials
Cordell Hardy, 3M Commercial Graphics
Maximizing Your Color Potential
Josh Hope, Mimaki USA Inc
Why Your Enterprise Needs a Business Plan: It’s Not Just for Fund Raising Anymore
Vince DiCecco, Your Personal Business Trainer Inc

2:30–3:45 pm
Digital Textile Printing in the Rising Promotional Products Industry
Sharon Donovich, Kornit Digital
How G7 Makes Inkjet Color Management Better
Jim Raffel, ColorMetrix Technologies LLC
Inkjet Banding: Identification and Root Cause Analysis
Travis Barcelona, Nazdar

October 11, 2017

9:00–10:15 am
Be At Your Best Every Day: 5 Principles To Consistent Sales Success
David Fellman, David Fellman & Associates
Inkjet and Corrugated: Innovative and Untraditional Solutions
Rebecca McConnell, FUJIFILM North America Corporation Graphic Systems Division
Selecting and Printing Backlit Fabrics
Michael Compton, Top Value Fabrics

10:30–11:45 am
3D Printing: A Multi-Dimensional View
Vince Cahill, VCE Solutions; Josh Hope, Mimaki USA Inc; Lilach Sapir, Massivit 3D
Three Views on Automating Your Graphics Workflow
Jeremy Pilcher, Innovate Print Solutions; Gregory Stewart, ESKO; Bart Fret, GMG Americas
Would You Buy from You? Your Brand Makes the Difference
Ryan Sauers, Sauers Consulting Strategies

1:00–2:15 pm
Grow Color Gamut to Make Signage Pop
Tobias Saalfeld, Ricoh
Navigating Away from Price
David Fellman, David Fellman & Associates
Selecting the Right Ink Technology for Your Application
Michael Maxwell, Mimaki USA Inc

2:30–3:45 pm
Inkjet Special Effects for Value Add
Reinhilde Alaert, Agfa Graphics
Whodunit? Solving UV Curing Mysteries with Measurement
Jim Raymont, EIT, LLC
Women in Print Winners Panel Discussion
Fawn Germer, FawnGermer.com

October 12, 2017

9:00–10:15 am
A Whole New World: You Can Apply Inkjet Technology onto What?
Heather Roden, FUJIFILM North America Corporation Graphic Systems Division
Digital Textile Printing Expert Panel
Jonathan Read, Media One Digital Imaging Solutions; Michael Sanders, Pacific Coast Fabrics; Ray Weiss, SGIA; Dave Brewer, Image Options; James Coulston, Sensient Imaging Technologies Inc; Lily Hunter, Roland DGA Corporation; Kerry King, Spoonflower
Getting Smart with Some Simple Marketing Strategies
Aaron Montgomery, aaronmontgomery.info

10:30–11:45 am
Demystifying Wide Format Sublimation and Cut and Sew Production
Aaron Montgomery, aaronmontgomery.info
Standardized Testing for Printed Textiles
Diana Wyman, AATCC

1:00–2:15 pm
Graphics & Sign Directions Session
Dan Marx, SGIA

The 2017 SGIA Expo will be at the Ernest N. Morial Convention in New Orleans, October 10–12. Register today at SGIAExpo.org.