PRINT 18 adopts new strategy to revitalize its signature printing industry event

The Association for Print Technologies (formerly NPES – Reston, Virginia), exclusive producer of the PRINT tradeshows, the annual events for the printing and graphic communications industry, has designated its PRINT brand as the name for its annual event moving forward. PRINT 18 will be held in Chicago, Illinois September 30 to October 2, 2018 once again at McCormick Place South. “With the entire graphic communications industry in a state of major transformation, we’re in a unique position to redefine ourselves as an organization and provide a new vision for the future,” said Thayer Long, President of Association for Print Technologies (APT). “Attracting the largest attendance of any printing, imaging and mailing industry event in the United States, PRINT convenes our global community and represents our identity and path forward.”

The re-branding is part of a larger strategic plan and re-positioning that NPES began in 2016 (as reported here earlier) that eventually resulted in the Association’s new name – Association for Print Technologies. The organization added that this new initiative “reinforces the value that empowers and advances members of the association – and the learning and networking that take place at PRINT are a vital part of that. Our position as the best-attended U.S. print industry tradeshow in 2017 demonstrates that PRINT is the strongest event to provide education, technology and value to the global printing industry.” PRINT delivers leading education by bringing together the most sought-after experts and business development authorities from both within and outside the industry. This year’s event will provide three valuable days “to ensure a productive, focused experience on the exhibit floor.” Printing Industries of America and Idealliance continue to support PRINT as event sponsors, building on their long-time partnership with the event, particularly in the area of educational sessions.

In 2018, the PRINT Learning Experience will be enhanced in several new ways with:

• A powerful keynote presentation to kick off the event
• New learning and education formats and topics to align the value chain
• An emphasis on technology, demonstrating the intersection of printing and digital technologies which have a greater influence in today’s marketing world
• An emerging technology center on the show floor
• Additional innovative networking events, receptions and meet-ups

“Our annual event has become the focal point for education on future trends, technology, growth and business-related issues in the global printing industry,” said Kelly Kilga, CEM, APT Vice President of Meetings and Events. “As the only 100% industry-owned printing event in the U.S., our goal is to help the industry grow. We can make the necessary investments to continuously improve the event and feed that growth.” Since the debut of PRINT 68 in Chicago (the first global printing equipment tradeshow ever held in the United States), the event has offered an unparalleled showcase for purchasers of commercial printing equipment and supplies. As a not-for-profit organization, APT plans to reinvest in the show and the growth of the industry as a whole. These bold investments and new vision to advance the printing graphic communications industry will empower business success through global industry collaboration, the organization added.

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