FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2005

New Exhibitors Flock to New Orleans for SGIA '05

Fairfax, Virginia — If you want proof of specialty imaging's impact on the printing industry, just look at how SGIA '05 (New Orleans, September 28­October 1) is shaping up. As veteran exhibitors are claiming (and increasing ) their spaces on the crowded show floor, they're joined by more new exhibitors than SGIA's Sylvia Hall recalls seeing in some time.

SGIA '05 Features Variety of Industry Segments — "We're seeing new vendors for consumables, visual merchandising and display, screen printing machinery and supplies, and textiles — especially digital direct-to-garment technologies. We're also seeing strong growth in our already huge wide-format industry representation," said Hall, SGIA Vice President of Conventions & Conferences.

That spells great news for SGIA '05 attendees, said SGIA President Michael Robertson. "With such a diversity of printing and imaging technologies showcased, the exposition will offer many new, lucrative opportunities to gain the edge on your competition, increase your profit margins, and increase your customer base. SGIA '05 is the one place where specialty imaging professionals can get hands-on exposure to the many technologies and processes that can make for a profitable shop."

Textile Temptations for Garment Specialists — About half of the exhibitors already signed on for SGIA '05 represent the textile industry — and this list conveys an exciting message to textile printers: The digital garment age has arrived. For example, SGIA '05 Gold Sponsor U.S. Screen Printing Institute is promoting a machine capable of printing up to 400 shirts per hour, and exhibitor Kornit advertises up to 295 per hour capability.

Robertson notes, "Digital might not have the versatility of screen printing, and it's not for all applications. But, as technologies go, it's a player, and it will improve quickly."

For a complete list of the companies exhibiting at SGIA ‘05, visit the Virtual Trade Show at SGIA.org.

White Hot Ink Developments — With new equipment technologies opening up a universe of new media to digital printers — wood, stone, Plexiglas, leather and more — white ink is critical to correct color and high impact. And white will be just one of many ink technologies in the SGIA '05 spotlight, according to Robertson.

"Hundreds of exhibitors will be on hand and those showcasing inks, ink systems, and the latest innovations in ink, including white ink for inkjet and specialty inks for textile printing, always have a high profile. Get ready to be impressed."

Finish What You Start — Adding finishing capabilities means you can make the print a product. Because of its potential for profit, finishing is a hot area in specialty graphic imaging.

Says Hall, "We are seeing more mounting and display companies than ever before signing on for SGIA '05. These exhibitors open up new opportunities for attendees to offer total solutions that include printing services, rather than just selling printing."

With these and other finishing capabilities on display, the exposition hall will give printers the total solutions they need to grow their businesses.

Wide World of Imaging on Display — SGIA '05 is also seeing uncommon growth in the number of international manufacturers and suppliers planning to exhibit.

"As the industry expands, these companies are looking for resellers to bring their products to market in the United States and customers who will buy and use them outright," said Robertson.

With them comes the opportunity for SGIA '05 attendees to see how the industry is developing outside the United States and what new competitors offer in terms of benefits, capabilities and price.

New Orleans is usually a record-breaking show for SGIA — it's a city that attendees love — but the brisk pace of exhibit sales has surpassed even veterans Hall and Robertson's expectations.

"All indications are that the economy is up, business is good, printers are buying, and exhibitors are anticipating strong sales at SGIA '05. It's the most important show of the year," Robertson said.

Online at SGIA.org, you'll find everything you need to get ready for SGIA '05, including, but not limited to:

• Registration
• Itinerary Planner
• The Virtual Trade Show
• An interactive floor plan