Graphics of the Americas: A Change of Place

Published: January 01, 2011, By By Claudia Hine, Managing Editor

The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, is a new venue for the 36th annual Graphics of the Americas (GOA) show, previously held in Miami. The 2011 show, produced by Orlando-based Printing Assn. of Florida, takes place February 24-26.

Also new is the launch of the co-located FESPA Americas show, which is targeted to screen, digital, and textile printers. Says FESPA managing director Frazer Chesterman, “We believe that by collaborating with like-minded organizations such as the Printing Assn. of Florida, we are able to produce an event with scale and integrity that provides enhanced value for visitors and exhibitors alike.”

In addition, the Solutions Event powered by ISS (Imprinted Sportswear Shows) brings garment decoration, including digital and screen printing, to the mix. Workshops and sessions will showcase new technology and techniques.

Back by Popular Demand

GOA expects to attract an average audience of 9,000 printers, designers, and creative professionals from more than 67 countries. Approximately 60% of attendees will be from the US.

A lineup of 80-plus educational sessions are part of this year's show, including free bonus sessions and training on the show floor. “The educational sessions we produce year after year have become increasingly sought after — to the point of standing-room-only attendance in some cases,” says George Ryan, GOA president. “Our team hand-selects speakers and relevant session topics that are at the forefront of the industry, really at their ‘hottest’ when GOA opens its doors.”

Multiple tracks will cover 12 disciplines: digital printing; prepress/production; wide format; management; sales and marketing; finishing/fulfillment; special presentations; illustration and design; web and interactive; InDesign; and Acrobat and PDF. A series of 16 seminars will be presented in Spanish to accommodate the 40% of attendees that are from Latin American countries.

GALA Award Recipients

The Printing Assn. of Florida will present two honorees with its 2011 Graphic Arts Leaders of the Americas (GALA) awards during the show. GALA recipients are chosen by Printing Industries of America affiliates and CONLATINGRAF (Latin American Graphic Industry Confederation) members for their leadership in areas of management, technology, business, and quality, as well as for their contributions to the graphic arts industry, their community, and society in general.

James Mayes Jr., Colorcraft of Virginia, Sterling, VA, is the 2011 North American graphic leader. Juan Marinetti Verderau, president of Marinetti Packaging, Santiago, Chile, is the 2011 Latin American graphic leader.

Mayes and Marinetti Verderau will receive their awards before an international audience at the annual awards banquet and reception on February 24 at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando.

For more information, visit the website at www.goa2011.com.