Reston, VA - PRINT 17’s return to Chicago was a resounding success as 20,000 people from the graphic communications industry gathered at McCormick Place for five days of education, networking and an up-close look at the latest innovations and technologies.

Industry professionals from around the world came to see new products from more than 450 exhibitors. PRINT 17 highlights included the new “Distinguished Leader” speaker series, with top marketing experts sharing their unique perspectives on how technology is changing our world and exploring the integration of print and digital. In addition, more than 50 seminars and panels throughout the show demonstrated NPES’ commitment to developing a relevant learning experience based on the pressing topics that can lead to business success for PRINT 17 attendees.

The event also provided an opportunity to give back to the local community, with the first annual “Celebrate PRINT! Party with a Purpose” at the House of Blues Chicago. PRINT 17 attendees donated to Family Rescue, one of the largest domestic violence agencies in Illinois.

“At our annual GRAPH EXPO/PRINT show, we bring together our community of industry manufacturers, dealers, distributors and their attendee customers to grow their businesses and expand their knowledge through exhibits, education and relationship building,” said Thayer Long, president of NPES. “Our promise for PRINT 17 was very clear: Learn it here, see it on the show floor, then go back to your businesses and do it! The show’s variety of learning opportunities provided attendees with education that will help them stay ahead as business and technology continue to evolve.”

“PRINT 17 is the one chance to try different things, learn about new processes, and then actually take that back and apply it in our own market,” said Douglas Spink III, Owner, All Right Mailing. “We are purchasing equipment at a very rapid pace. We did buy a lot of equipment this year at the show – from six vendors. PRINT and GRAPH EXPO are a must-do every year.”

The South Hall buzzed with excitement as show-goers flooded the exhibit booths. Buyers and manufacturers came together for the unveiling of new technology solutions, the latest software, and unique new applications. Attendees prepared to purchase were able to conduct intense research over the course of a few days and make their decisions after comparing and experiencing the equipment.

"Interest and demand for our modules has been fantastic at the show," commented James Self, sales manager at Compact Foilers. "We just received an order for 30 of our foiling modules—the largest single order in the company’s history—at PRINT 17,” added Director Tim Self. “We will need to increase our production capability to cope with the demand."

GRAPH EXPO will return to Chicago next year, September 30 – October 3, 2018, and will remain in Chicago through 2020.

For additional information about PRINT 17, and images from the show, visit: www.PRINT2017.com.