Specialty Graphic Imaging Association Digital Printing & Imaging Association
	Executive Summary Octoberr 2008

The Word on the SGIA ’08 Expo Floor

It’s always great to catch up with so many people at the annual SGIA Expo. This year was especially interesting with the economic challenges, pending elections and media frenzy that’s keeping us all on edge.

However, even in today’s whirlwind of economic news, the mood around the Expo was very upbeat. I was pleased to see most attendees were optimistic and taking steps to improve their opportunities in an increasingly competitive marketplace. These are the companies that will not only survive a challenging economy, but come out of the downturn stronger for their efforts.

Many of the attendees I talked with had well designed business strategies and they were at SGIA’08 to buy the equipment and materials needed to make them happen. And, exhibitors were certainly selling. Many booths were just slammed; especially those with new products that can help printers maintain a competitive advantage.

Mid-size printing and imaging equipment — both screen and digital — were hot items. Many of the people I had the opportunity talked with were making SGIA ’08 equipment purchases to diversify their imaging capability. They want to offer more options to their customers. It wasn’t just screen printers adding digital imaging, but digital printers adding screen printing, too. This trend reflects the “one-stop shop” advantage we see in today’s marketplace. This was true for both graphic producers and garment decorators.

The latest direct-to-garment technologies (DTG) were also a hot ticket. The SGIA Digital Apparel Production Zone was a huge success. DTG manufacturers that were there with new technology were super busy.  More manufacturers are entering the DTG market. This has brought much needed new life to the DTG process. These manufacturers are taking DTG to an exciting new level.

I want to thank the exhibitors and attendees for allowing SGIA to be your marketplace and educational resource. Please watch SGIA.org and the SGIA News for additional SGIA education and interaction activities as we all work toward a successful future.