PIA and SGIA Launch 2018 Conference and Event Partnership

For Immediate Release January 11, 2018 PIA Media Contact: Jenn Strang, jstrang@printing.org SGIA Media Contact: Kate Achelpohl, kate@sgia.org Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Fairfax, Virginia — Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) President & CEO Ford Bowers will launch “Color 2018,” the first in a series of conferences jointly presented by Printing Industries of America (PIA) and SGIA. While this is the first formal agreement between the two organizations, the arrangement builds on a long history of collaboration on programming, including the Continuous Improvement Conference and legislative activities. “We have successfully partnered with SGIA for years on joint regulatory efforts and on other programming. We are thrilled to extend this partnership going forward,” noted Michael Makin, PIA President and CEO. Under the agreement, PIA and SGIA will present the following conferences in 2018:

• Color 2018 — January 13–16, 2018, San Diego 
• President’s Conference — March 4–6, San Antonio 
• The 70th Annual TAGA Technical Conference — March 18–21, Baltimore 
• Continuous Improvement Conference — April 8–11, Chicago

“This partnership is equally advantageous to SGIA and PIA members. Where our constituencies were, at one time, very distinct, the printing industry is being shaped by the convergence of technologies and markets. With this series of conferences, we’ll be addressing important common issues,” said Bowers. About Printing Industries of America (PIA) Printing Industries of America is the largest trade association dedicated to graphic arts communication with more than 6,000 members throughout the United States and Canada. PIA, with local affiliated associations, delivers services and products that enhance the knowledge, growth and profitability of members through advocacy, research, education and networking. About Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) 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.”