Panel discussion features SGP, Image Options and MGM Resorts.

Fairfax, Va. – The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) announced Libra Balian, Brand Leaders Chair, Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP); Brian Hite, President, Image Options; and Yalmaz Siddiqui, Vice President of Corporate Sustainability, MGM Resorts, as featured speakers for the Brands Talking Sustainability Luncheon at the 2018 SGIA Expo.

The luncheon takes place Thursday, October 18, 2018, from 12:00–2:00 pm.

“We have gathered experts who can speak on the importance of sustainability in today’s society. They will share insights on the most effective sustainability procurement practices based on the experiences of their own organizations,” said Marci Kinter, Vice President of Government and Business Information, SGIA.

Balian, Hite and Siddiqui’s expertise stems from years in the retail, printing and hospitality industries. They’ll provide a wide range of viewpoints on hot-button topics, including sustainability efforts that matter to customers and strategies and objectives for engaging customers on sustainability-related issues.

Balian has been in the printing world for over 20 years, from her time at the advertising agency AR New York, to her most recent position as Sr. Director of Marketing Operations at ANN INC. She is a fierce advocate for sustainable printing operations, and sits on the SGP Board of Directors, overseeing SGP’s Brand Leaders program.

Hite brings 37 years of graphics production industry experience, and in his tenure, has worked extensively to drive lean production and sustainable operations. His company, Image Options, was the first large-format digital printing facility in California to obtain SGP Certification.

In his time with MGM Resorts, Siddiqui has helped develop the company’s overall environmental management program. He is responsible for creating policies and goals and reporting on the company’s sustainability efforts, and leads initiatives in areas such as food waste reduction, environmentally-preferable purchasing, materials management and sustainable events.

“The diversity of experience and perspective that our speakers bring to the table will make for a great discussion. It will be informative, and will inspire attendees to act to improve their efforts,” said Kinter.

Tickets for the Brands Talking Sustainability Luncheon cost $30 and are easy to add to you SGIA Expo registration.