Smashing Expo Success in the ATL
Exhibitors showcased new technology, applications and stunning imaging innovation
The results are in, and this year’s SGIA Expo (Atlanta, November 4–6) redefined the meaning of success for specialty imaging. Each day, the more than 23,000 registered attendees lined up outside the Expo doors hoping to be among the first to hit the well-known SGIA red carpet. Whether they were walking through exhibitor booths or towards a ticketed educational session in the enormous GWCC hall B, the conversation was pumped up about the newest technology, applications and innovation available on the jam-packed show floor.
“[The SGIA Expo] is the ultimate trade show for the type of graphics and products that we can create and offer! We had a great time and got to see some of our favorite vendors, too.”
—Dali Wall Decals, 2015 Attendee Company
Technology Heats Up
The biggest names in the industry hosted worldwide debuts of new printer lines, the most high-tech inks and never-before-seen applications. Enormous wide-format printers were spitting out soft signage graphics at lightning speed in the Digital Textile Zone, while exhibitors at every turn were showing off how quickly their machine could finish a garment; displaying the most accurate color on a Coca-Cola banner; or showcasing the newest technique in dye sublimation. But the hum of the machines didn’t drown out the voices of eager buyers, and business deals were being made left and right.
“This is my 17th show, and it’s been one of the best. We’ve seen a lot of high-quality contacts come through and even some direct projects.”
—David Haas, Proell, Inc., 2015 Exhibitor
All Day Education
Ticketed educational sessions kicked off bright and early on Wednesday, November 4 — the first day of the Expo — where attendees filled the chairs to learn about their printing sector directly from the experts. The breakout hits were the first-ever Dream Teams, which featured panels of printing gurus who answered questions directly from the audience. Real printers brought realistic situations into the room, where industry leaders carefully considered each problem and provided insight and perspective about next steps. The Dream Teams included Graphic Business, Graphic Production, Garment Business, Garment Production and Digital Textile Graphics Production.
The Sustainability Zone, Digital Textile Zone and Garment Zone on the show floor featured free, no-spin presentations over the course of the Expo, where it was standing room only every hour, on the hour. Attendees got critical face time with community favorites as they listened to common challenges (and solutions!) of their imaging sectors, all while exploring featured products and machines inside the Zone.
Awards
SGIA recognizes many industry specific awards.
Product of the Year Competition
Winners Take Center Stage
SGIA’s Product of the Year competition showcases digital imaging products that keep the specialty imaging industry moving forward. Winners have benefited from worldwide recognition and the ability to market their product as a winner of this prestigious competition. This year, the competition raised the bar at the 2015 Expo (Atlanta, November 4–6) with a new class of entries in categories from digital inks, finishing and media to direct-to-garment, roll-to-roll and UV flatbed.
Safety Recognition Award
Use SGIA’s Safety Recognition Program to keep on top of your safety efforts. The primary objective of this program is to make employers and employees alike aware of the necessity of maintaining a safe working environment. We also strive to help you create, on the part of member companies’ staffs, an awareness of the need to comply with all applicable/state/provincial, and national safety laws and standards. Download the Safety Recognition Program Enrollment Form.
Sustainability Recognition Award
The SGIA Sustainability Recognition Program was designed to encourage adoption of sustainable business practices by the SGIA membership. The primary objective of this program is to recognize those members who have successfully embarked on this journey.
Disclaimer: This program does not include an element of third-party certification and therefore cannot be construed as a certification program. This program is only meant to recognize and encourage efforts taken by SGIA member companies towards the adoption of a sustainable business model.
Dave Swormstedt, Sr. Memorial Award
The Dave Swormstedt, Sr. Memorial Award is presented, annually, during the SGIA Expo in October, to the author(s) of an article written on any aspect of screen printing or graphic imaging and published in the previous calendar year.
Chosen by members of the Academy, winners of the prestigious Swormstedt Award are recognized for their outstanding writing ability and exceptional industry insight. Any SGIA member can nominate articles for the Swormstedt Award.
2015 ASDPT Tom Frecska Student Printing Competition Winners
Thank you and congratulations to all who participated in the 2015 ASDPT Student Printing Competition!