Viva Las Signage

When it comes to major events and exhibitions, here in the wide-format print and sign-making industries, we are rather blessed. On home soil, we have the likes of Sign and Digital UK and The Print Show, while slightly further afield this year we had Drupa, where wide-format was the focus of attention for many visitors.
 
However, if you cast the net a little further still—in the direction of the US to be precise—then you will find even more potential trips. This year, SGIA Expo in the Nevada gambling haven of Las Vegas will welcome thousands of visitors not just from the US market, but also those from other regions around the world, each of which as keen as the other to find out about the latest technologies on offer.



With this in mind, we take a look at whether the event is a must-attend show for those in the UK and, for those that to make the trip over, what they can expect when they visit the Las Vegas Convention Center from September 14th to 16th.

Cross the pond

One person that knows more about the show than many others is Dan Marx, vice-president for markets and technologies at SGIA. Looking ahead to this year’s event, Marx says that a change of scenery from the UK and European market may be of great benefit to those considering making the trip.

“I think any time an imaging professional can step outside the ordinary—in this case, crossing the pond to the uniqueness that is Las Vegas—the change of scenery, opinion and experience can be refreshing, and the SGIA Expo is a perfect opportunity,” Marx says, adding: “There is so much to experience. SGIA Expo attendees can build on experience. The wide-format industry is filled with forward-thinking, innovative professionals, and the opportunity to share ideas with, or learn from, others is indeed a unique opportunity.



“Because it is such a prominent and large event, all the players in wide-format digital, and a variety of other digital and legacy analog, technologies are in the hall. For companies seeking digital solutions, there is no larger, segment-specific marketplace.”


When quizzed about the show’s best features, Marx does not go down the route of outlining the various seminars and side-events that will take place, but simply responds with “the technology”.

“Perennially, the star of the SGIA Expo is the technology, and our show is the US event during which the most product launches and introductions occur,” he says, adding: “I can personally say that I have yet to attend an SGIA show where I am not surprised and amazed by what is new and what will take our industry toward new applications and opportunities. In addition to the expansive exposition, another prominent feature is industry
education.

“This year’s SGIA Expo will feature 75 non-commercial, unique presentations spread between stand-alone seminars, niche-specific symposia focusing on industrial printing and printed electronics, and our first-ever garment decorator's conference.”

International focus

Roland DG is one of the many major names on the floorplan this year, with the company all set to showcase its latest offerings at the event. Tiffany Wakimoto, marketing manager at the manufacturer’s US arm, highlights the international appeal of SGIA Expo as one of the key reasons why UK industry members should come along.

Wakimoto expands: “SGIA is one of DG’s most important industry shows in the Americas. With tens of thousands that come from across the United States, Canada and Latin America, it is an ideal opportunity to showcase our latest technologies and share our latest education.

“SGIA is an international show, with a focus in apparel decoration and signage, customers at the show can expect to gain much knowledge from major manufacturers and experts in the field.”

In terms of what Roland DG will be displaying at SGIA Expo, Wakimoto picks out new technologies, such as the TrueVIS VG-640, that visitors can look forward to seeing in action in September.

Wakimoto adds: “Roland DGA will showcase our latest technologies including the TrueVIS VG-640, our latest advancement in inkjet print/cut technology, as well as the VersaUV LEJ-640 FT, the industry’s first flatbed UV printer with a print clearance of 6 (15.24cm) in height. Another highlight of the Roland stand will be the Texart
dye-sublimation printers along with our education on how to succeed with dye-sublimation applications.”



Also set for a presence at SGIA Expo this year is Durst, which plans to show off a number of products. Fabian Sottsas, who has a key responsibility for products on behalf of Durst at SGIA, urges UK visitors to come along in September.

Sottsas says: “It’s our belief that within the US market, this is the most important show for sign and graphics industries and attracts a quality audience, which is why we choose to be at SGIA. We hope—and expect—many international visitors, including from our growing customer base in the UK.

“We are delighted to be returning with our UV and soft signage portfolio to SGIA. As the industrial inkjet specialist, we will expect huge interest in Durst systems at the show. Our traditional large-format printing customer base will be looking to us to continue to show and demonstrate advanced solutions for their existing business.”

Building trade links

Also prepping for SGIA Expo this year is Contra Vision, which will be exhibiting for the 15th consecutive year. Jo Bentley, head of PR at the firm, is of the belief that the event can offer plenty of positives for UK visitors.



Bentley comments: “In an increasingly global market where new products are continually developing and manufacturers respond to commercial and environmental factors, knowledge is power. Market trends and changes in North America and Europe can feed into each other and allow business to make informed choices.

“For UK-based businesses that do not sell in the US, there is still value in attending to gather market information and attend the many seminars at SGIA. In light of recent events in the UK, it could be advantageous to build trade links in the States.



“We are able to support and strengthen our relationships with our existing distributors in North America and talk to potential new distributors. Our sales team man the stand to offer information on existing and planned products, while keeping an ear on the ground informs our new product development activity in the UK and Europe, providing a virtuous circle of feedback on changes and developments in the world of see-through graphics.”

Bentley goes on to highlight some of the products and solutions that will be on show on the Contra Vision stand:“We intend to specifically promote our Contra Vision Grayliner product, which has unique and specific benefits to printers; being the only such product available to the market.

“Contra Vision Grayliner is a patented improvement to perforated window films, invented to make it easier than ever to produce outstanding see-through graphics.

“The colour matches the 70 percent monochromatic gray tone, which is typically visible through the perforations on a window. It provides the perfect background to view trial prints and to help print operators with colour matching and quality assurance during production. As printers will know, graphics on a conventional white or clear liner can appear ‘washed out’ and may not be accepted by the customer.”

Bentley continues: “This creates the temptation to use excessive amounts of ink, which can damage the performance of perforated window film. Alternatively, the printed image can appear artificially strong if the liner absorbs the ink within the perforations, leading to unrealistic expectations. We will demonstrate how this product complements the exacting standards of our range of perforated window films on our stand at SGIA.”

Despite being based on ‘the other side of the pond’, it seems that SGIA Expo could well be worth the visit. Organisers have put together an impressive-looking exhibitor list, with manufacturers and suppliers hailing from all sectors of the industry.

O Factoid: SGIA Expo 2015 welcomed approximately 23,000 visitors, in addition to 543 exhibitors. O

If you cast an eye down the roster of companies set to attend, all the key brands are there. From those mentioned in this feature, through to the likes of Agfa, Kornit Digital, Canon, Epson, EFI, and HP, visitors are seemingly spoilt for choice when it comes to who to visit first.

And although the prospect of heading all the way to Las Vegas might seem a bit too much for some, from what we have heard from just some of those that will be exhibiting at the show, as well as the organisers themselves, it seems like it is a gamble worth taking.

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