WFX Generates Industry Interest and Support

For Immediate Release Contact: Kate Achelpohl, SGIA 703.359.1364 kate@sgia.org Fairfax, Virginia — Industry leaders are supporting WFX, The Wide-Format Exchange, a new conference from the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) and ST Media Group, coming to Minneapolis May 21–23, 2018. With three days of networking, educational sessions and thought-provoking keynote speakers, WFX 2018 will bring to life the convergence of markets and technologies that is driving the wide-format graphics industry in a setting that encourages personal connections and networking. “WFX is all about connecting with peers to discuss solutions to common challenges,” said Sarah Perkins, Director of Community Development, SGIA. “Networking events, interactive peer discussions and case studies featuring executives who have transformed their printing businesses will encourage attendees to learn from each other.” Sponsors include 3M, Canon, Lexjet and Mimaki (Diamond level); Durst, EFI, M&R/Novus, Marabu North America and Vanguard Digital Printing Systems (Platinum level); and Roland, swissQprint and Zünd (Gold level). An advisory council comprising 30 leading printing companies is supporting content creation efforts. “It’s a time of great change in wide-format printing, but also of great possibilities,” said Steve Duccilli, senior VP of content for ST Media Group and the chair of the inaugural WFX. “We’ll be emphasizing both of those themes in the program – the strategic challenges that face executives across the printing industry today, but also the new markets and applications that are emerging as tremendous growth opportunities.” WFX is specifically designed for top executives from high-volume, wide-format print providers and printers poised to add wide-format inkjet printing to their businesses. Its agenda features extensive networking opportunities and more than 25 educational sessions:

• Case studies in which executives who have transformed their printing businesses will share strategies that propelled their success and the lessons they’ve learned along the way
• Sessions exploring topics including workflow automation, successful technology adoption, workforce diversity, identifying and assessing competitive threats and innovation
• Interactive peer roundtable discussions on the pressing strategic and industry challenges in the wide-format arena
• A special educational track on emerging opportunities, new applications and developing markets

Rich Thompson, Ad Graphics, a member of the WFX advisory council, is supporting the event because of the opportunity it will provide. “Over the years I have learned the best way to figure things out is to associate and network with others just like me, which is why I’m such an advocate of events such as WFX. The payback has been more than I ever expected. We share best practices, struggles, and successes to help learn from each other. The exchange of ideas has helped me in my business tremendously,” Thompson said. WFX, The Wide-Format Experience, takes place May 21–23 at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, in Minneapolis. To be notified when registration opens, visit WFXConference.com. SGIA — Supporting the Leaders of the Digital & Screen Printing Community Having its origins in the screen printing industry, SGIA embraced the digital revolution early on and is now the trade association of choice for professionals in the industrial, graphic, garment, textile, electronics, packaging and commercial printing communities looking to grow their business into new market segments through the incorporation of the latest printing technologies. SGIA membership comprises these diverse segments, all of which are moving rapidly towards digital adoption. As long-time champions of digital technologies and techniques, SGIA is the community of peers you are looking for to help navigate the challenges of this process. Additionally, the SGIA Expo is the largest trade show for print technology in North America. “Whatever the medium, whatever the message, print is indispensable. Join the community — SGIA.” About ST Media Group Connecting buyers and sellers since 1906, ST Media Group is a Cincinnati-based publisher of trusted information for a family of seven brands in the visual communications industry. Publications include Big Picture covering the business of wide-format printing as well as Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, and S&S en español in the signage and graphics industry, as well as Boutique Design, VMSD (Visual Merchandising and Store Design), and BXP (Brand Experience) in the design fields. Our portfolio includes award-winning publications with content distribution across the full range of information channels, multimedia and custom content production, and live events including conferences and trade shows.