Print 05 & Converting 05 to highlight packaging

Of the 800 exhibitors expected to head to PRINT 05 & CONVERTING 05, about one-fourth will be focusing specifically on the package-printing and converting market. These exhibits will occupy about 425,000 sq ft out of the projected total of 750,000 sq ft of McCormick Place that will be devoted to the show.

Owned by the Graphic Arts Show Company (www.gasc.org), PRINT 05 & CONVERTING 05 is expected to draw about 80,000 visitors and includes almost 90 seminars. A full-day Executive Outlook conference precedes the show. A special feature of the conference is the announcement of the Must See 'Ems products and services, selected by a panel of industry consultants and trade magazine editors. The seminar program includes sessions on the business of printing, color, converting/packaging, sales, and premedia production and workflow, among many others. Three special lunch sessions are also scheduled: State of the Printing and Converting Industry, Acrobat 7 Update and New Technologies That Are Changing Your Business.

A recent study published by PRIMIR, the Print Industries Market Information and Research Organization (www.primir.org), shows a strong shift in the commercial printing industry and illustrates growth in the package-printing and converting sectors that offers increased opportunity for commercial printers. The in-depth study, covering five package formats and six printing methods, shows that growth in the package printing sector is projected to be robust, with tag and label work leading the expansion, at an increase of 5.7 percent projected to 2009. Following is flexible packaging, folding cartons and corrugated boxes, at an average growth of 4 percent, creating an $83 billion market.

Cost of admission to the show is $45, which includes seven days of floor admission, free exhibitor presentations and special on-floor presentations. The preshow Executive Outlook conference is $325. Seminar registration is available in three value packages from $125 to $900. Show hours are Friday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, visit http://print05.gasc.org or contact GASC at 703/264-7200, e-mail [email protected].