FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2005

Innovations Propel 2005 SGIA Membrane Switch Symposium

Fairfax, Virginia - The annual SGIA Membrane Switch Symposium (June 15­-16, Indianapolis) took a cue from the industry it serves, implementing innovations and receiving high marks for them. For the first time, the symposium included a small trade show, the Membrane Switch Innovation of the Year Award and the niche's Golden Image Competition.

During social events, networking breaks and meals, attendees (more than 250 of them) connected with each other and the 21 MSS '05 trade show exhibitors.

"It's such a specialized area, the vendors and the attendees particularly appreciated having the chance to talk one-on-one about specific challenges and solutions at the exhibits," said SGIA Vice President, Management & Education Services, Alan Anderson.

When it came time for the Membrane Switch Innovation of the Year Award, the competition was tight — the team of switch producers who judged the competition said any one of the five entries deserved to win. In the end, Autotype Americas won for its Capilex CX emulsion. Other products in the running were Autotex AM film with Microban (Autotype Americas), Ultra-thin, 7-segment LED (Nicomatic), XCMS-0007 and XUV-001 dialectric (both from Spraylat).

Attendees also took time to examine the Golden Image Award entries for membrane switches and other printed electronic products, which were judged by a team of four industry switch producers and suppliers.

Eastprint Inc. swept the competition, winning the Gold in the Simple Switch and Complex Switch subcategories and the Silver in "Other Electronics Products."

Membrane Switch category entries will be on display with the rest of the Golden Image categories at SGIA '05 (New Orleans, September 28­October 1).

SGIA — Supporting the Leaders of the Digital & Screen Printing Community "Specialty imaging" comprises digital imaging, screen printing and the many other imaging technologies SGIA members use, including those they'll tap in the future. These are the imaging processes and technologies employed to create new products and to enhance existing products including point-of-purchase displays, signs, advertisements, garments, containers, and vehicles. To make the most of your specialty imaging business, take full advantage of the information on SGIA.org, and experience the specialty graphic imaging industry first-hand at SGIA'05 (September 28-­October 1, New Orleans, Louisiana).

SGIA (Specialty Graphics Imaging Assoc.)
10015 Main St.
Fairfax, VA
Phone: 703-359-1301
E-Mail: kate@sgia.org
Website URL: www.sgia.org