FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2004

Future Forums Add Tighter Focus, Sharper Edge to SGIA ’04/DPI Conference Educational Programs

FAIRFAX, VA—Educational programming at the SGIA ‘04/DPI Conference-Minneapolis will be even more valuable this year, with additional attention and developmental support given to each seminar, says Al Anderson, Vice President for Education & Management Services of the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association.

According to Anderson, programs at SGIA ’04 will provide a “more intense examination of the issues affecting our members … and the industry.”

“We’re focusing on the future, but staying practical for today’s world,” Anderson states. “The conference is really in touch with today’s industry, developing session topics from what’s really happening in specialty imaging.”

Among this year’s feature programs, two Future Forums will explore the opportunities of narrow-format digital imaging for specialty applications, as well as color management for multiple printing and imaging devices.

“When you’re incorporating new technologies in your operation, the importance of color intensifies and becomes more complex, especially when it comes to color management,” notes Anderson.

So, on Friday, October 8, SGIA ’04 will present a future forum addressing color management. Joe Clarke will lead the discussion of “Managing Color for Multiple Technologies,” providing the tools for keeping color on target and maintaining this vital advantage over the competition.

“In the competitive markets of specialty imaging,” adds Dan Marx, Director of Communications & Services for SGIA’s Digital Printing & Imaging Association, “success comes to those who can recognize and grasp the possibilities of new technologies.”

In keeping with this reality, on Thursday, October 7, SGIA & DPI will present “Narrow Format Digital Imaging: New Markets, New Opportunities,” moderated by Michael Emrich. Conference attendees will hear about the equipment, markets and possibilities associated with narrow-format digital imaging. Through this Future Forum, they will learn how their colleagues -- and competitors -- are currently finding profitability in narrow-format … and how to develop strategies for joining them in this exciting new arena.

Ultimately, the goal of SGIA’s 2004 conference is to help attendees build a better understanding of markets and applications, and how the technology on the Exposition floor fits into attendees’ businesses and profit strategies.

With more than 400 exhibiting companies and 12,000+ industry professionals, the SGIA ’04/DPI Conference promises to offer practical, forward-looking information.

The Association is partnering with a number of industry publications to ensure that it delivers the finest in educational programming. Among this year’s “publishing partners” are Big Picture (focusing on wide-format digital), Signs of the Times (signage), Stitches (embroidery), and WideFormat Imaging (reprography).

SGIA’s 56th annual Convention & Exposition is October 6-9 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. More information about the world’s largest annual show for specialty graphics and imaging technologies can be found online at SGIA.org.

For details about exhibiting opportunities at the show, please contact Sylvia Hall in the Association’s Convention Department.

Questions about the educational programs at SGIA ’04 should be directed to Al Anderson. Telephone: 888.385.3588. E-mail: alan@sgia.org.

SGIA- Specialty Graphic Imaging Association
10015 Main Street
Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: 703-385-1335 or 888-385-3588
Fax: 703-273-0456
E-Mail: convention@sgia.org
Website URL: www.sgia.org