Ready to Sizzle
- Published: January 01, 2003, By Nsenga Byrd Thompson, Staff Editor
Graphics of the Americas (GOA), returning to the Convention Center in Miami Beach, FL, January 24-26, 2003, is poised to be as hot as its host city. Sponsored by the Printing Association of Florida (PAF), GOA is the second largest graphic arts and converting show in the US with more than 400,000 sq ft of display space. It exposes exhibitors and attendees to two vital markets, the southeastern US and Latin America, and offers a seminar program covering a host of topics including future trends, prepress, and pressroom solutions.
Chris Price, VP and general manager of GOA, says, “As the first show of the year, our buyers have new budgets and our exhibitors take advantage of the buying atmosphere to introduce new equipment, product lines, and services. This, in turn, attracts more buyers. It is one reason GOA consistently has strong attendance, even when the economy in general is sluggish.”
Creo, HP Indigo, Agfa, Heidelberg, Kodak Polychrome Graphics, Presstek, and Screen will be among the more than 500 exhibitors featuring equipment designed to help printers compete in both traditional and digital markets.
“A show like ours allows the traditional printer to see the emerging technologies and determine how they can help him expand his niche by providing add-on services not previously possible,” explains Price. “Printers looking to diversify will find everything they need, all under one roof.”
Converting equipment suppliers will have a high profile as record numbers are set to exhibit. Accuratech Machine Industries, Bielomatik, Crown Roll Leaf, Day/Varn Intl., Double H Plastics, Korber PaperLink, and Mark Andy are among the more than 70 converting equipment suppliers displaying innovations in the industry.
“It's a win/win situation for attendees and exhibitors,” says Price. “Our exhibitors recognize that more than 40 percent of our attendees are from Latin America, where the profile of the commercial printer is also involved in converting to some degree. And the large number of converting exhibitors means our attendees benefit from competitive pricing. For anyone planning purchases for 2003, there is no better time or place to discover, compare, and buy converting equipment than at this show.”
Buyers will find big savings are available due to the new Florida sales tax exemption that applies to capital expenditures made at the show. Florida printers purchasing equipment at the show do not have to pay sales tax when they complete the appropriate paperwork at the time of purchase. Certain qualifications apply, but it is reported that on a purchase of $1 million, the savings can be as much as $65,000.
Other Sizzling Events
Visitors also will be able to attend the 21st annual Graphic Arts Leaders of the Americas Awards reception and dinner, to be held Friday, January 24. The Graphic Arts Leaders of the Americas Award is bestowed upon individuals who are industry leaders in management, technology, business, and quality, and who have made contributions to the graphic arts industry, their community, and society in general. One recipient from the Latin American printing community and one recipient from the North American printing community are honored each year. This year's honorees are Ray Roper, president and CEO of Printing Industries of America, and Anselmo Morvillo, founder and president of Anselmo L. Morvillo S.A.
Running concurrently with GOA is the winter/spring assembly of Conlatingraf, the association of Latin American and Caribbean Printing Assns. “The assembly is a natural addition to the ever growing calendar of events that make up Graphic Arts Week,” says Price.
For more information on the show or to register, visit graphicsoftheamericas.com or contact PAF at 407/240-8009.
