FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2007

SGIA ’07 Spotlights Latest Trends - In the modern world of specialty imaging, technology is more important than ever

Fairfax, Virginia — The more than 500 exhibitors of SGIA ’07 (October 24­27; Orlando, Florida) will give specialty imagers an important look at trends shaping graphics production, industrial printing and garment decoration.

Creativity and technology are pushing garment decoration, says Johnny Shell, SGIA Vice President Technical Services. “Creativity and consumers’ desire for customized design are driving garment decoration today — and what’s driving that trend is technology,” he says.

Among the trends garment decorators should watch for at SGIA ’07, Shell says, are direct-to-garment digital inkjet and special effects inks (including updated versions of traditional puff inks, gels, high-density ink, burnout, discharge and simulated process). “In the past few years, direct-to-garment digital technology has become a bona fide trend, and flatbeds have become standard equipment,” says SGIA President Michael Robertson.

For graphics producers, developments in inkjet flatbed technology are among the biggest technical trends — especially single-pass inkjet and variable dot inkjet print heads. Ink technologies, such as UV inkjet, and new media are also pushing the market forward. To see the trends in person, get to SGIA ’07 (SGIA.org, Keyword SGIA07). Register by August 15 for free admission to the Expo hall ($35 value).

“More than 500 exhibitors have committed to exhibiting at SGIA ’07 so far. To maximize your time at the Expo, you’re going to have to plan ahead,” Robertson advises. “Using the dynamic tools online at SGIA.org, you’ll have the ability to research technologies and suppliers, and make the most of your time in Orlando.”

Explore the Virtual Trade Show at SGIA.org: See what your favorite suppliers will feature in their booths, and start making a list of which ones you’ll visit.

New for SGIA ’07: Beginning in August, SGIA.org will feature exhibitors’ SGIA ’07 new product releases. Visit the Web site often to keep abreast of the latest announcements.

Preview Webinars: Get an early scoop on what to watch for in the way of the equipment, services and materials featured at SGIA ’07 with sessions for graphics producers (September 18) and garment decorators (September 19). Details on SGIA.org, Keyword: Webinars.

Digital Equipment Evaluations: SGIA’s objective reports feature evaluations based on SGIA’s tests of wide-format digital equipment. They also include manufacturer-provided specs so you have what you need to comfortably compare potential wide-format digital investments. (Members only.)

Further Enlightenment Available at the Expo
“Seeing the technology in action opens up a whole new list of questions. SGIA will help you find the answers in Orlando,” Robertson adds.

Starter Sessions: Three free educational sessions start your time on the show floor off on the right foot. Introduction to Digital Imaging, Introduction to Direct-to-Garment Printing and Understanding ROI for Major Equipment Purchases meet 9:30 am­10:15 am on September 24.

Demonstration areas: See how it’s done for yourself. SGIA exhibitors will demonstrate the latest technologies and techniques at the Wrap Display Area and the DTG production zone.

On Display: Product of the Year & Innovation Awards provide more insight for navigating the sea of specialty imaging products, with displays on site in Orlando. The Interior Design displays will further inspire you, too.

Other tools on SGIA.org include the SGIA ’07 Conference Planner, to navigate the 54 educational sessions planned, and the Expo Planner, which will help you map your time in the Expo hall. Get all the details, and register today, at SGIA.org, Keyword: SGIA07

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. 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 ’07 (Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida; October 24­27, 2007).

SGIA
10015 Main St.
Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: 703-359-1301
E-Mail: kate@sgia.org
Website URL: www.sgia.org