The large print expo (also known as the Graph Expo Show) held at McCormick Place in Chicago a few weeks ago. In this year there were many industry changes and the demand for print projects decreased significantly.
The Print 13 expo organizers hoped that the manufacturers will show how new hardware and software innovations would increase the demand, and show valuable new products to help graphic arts companies who are struggling with this loss in demand.
Since the theme for this year’s show was “Innovate. Integrate. Communicate”, providers and vendors were expected to participate in new markets and applications and to reduce costs via streamlined operations. The PRINT 13 participants had the chance to interact with suppliers and colleagues, and explore exciting new ways to innovate, integrate, and communicate.
In the software department, interesting technological advances for printers of all sizes were showcased at the expo. Some of the new software solutions and enhancements presented at PRINT 13 were:
Cloud-enabled workflows. This developing trend was at the center of announcements from several vendors such as Hybrid Software, GMG and Avanti. All promising better modules for file managing, reviewing, proofing, and approving.
Workflow management. Several companies introduced production workflow management solutions, namely Kodak, Xerox”and Ricoh Americas.
Marketing services. At the expo, several vendors such as XMPie and Konica Minolta showed how combining equipment and software can open new revenue opportunities.
Solutions and workflow were not the only areas that got a lot of emphasis, hardware and printing equipment also got a lot of focus. Some of the highlights from the hardware portion of the show focused on large format solutions from HP and Cannon.
Naturally, the digital printing department showed plenty on new advancements, especially from RISO, MGI, Scodix, Oki Data and Konica Minolta.
To conclude, the vendors presented at the show said they found it packed with answers on techniques for expanding capabilities. As this is a rapid and dynamic industry, the vendors stepped up to the challenge and addressed the need for innovation, integration, and new communication techniques.
PRINT 13 Expo – Exceeded Organizers Expectations