As the weather cools and the leaves put on their autumn show, our thoughts turn to presses, software, and finishing equipment. At least, that's what happens to those of us in the graphic arts industry. The arrival of fall weather means it's time to make our annual pilgrimage to Chicago's McCormick Center for the Graph Expo trade show. The 2008 exposition will be held October 26-29.

This year's show promises to deliver more value than ever before for the quick and small commercial printing community. The Graphic Arts Show Company has even lined up a seminar track specifically for our segment of the industry. The show organizers point out that more than a third of last year's attendees represented companies with annual sales of less than $3 million.

Quick Printing Panel Discussion

The quick printing program kicks off at 8:30 a.m. Sunday with a free panel discussion titled "Success Strategies for Quick Printers." The panel will be moderated by QP executive editor Bob Hall and will feature five of QP's contributing columnists who will explain how success is still possible in challenging economic times.

These five panelists are all experts in their own particular fields and have been involved in our industry for many years—most as successful print shop owners in their own right. Dave Fellman will address sales related issues. John Giles will talk about streamlining your workflow for maximum efficiency. Tawnya Starr will present advice about how to maximize your website's effectiveness to reach your customers and remain relevant. Mitch Evans will offer coaching advice and address the importance of peer groups. And Tom Crouser will share his expertise about keeping your business strong in any economy by maintaining solid, time tested business practices.

Discover the strategies and tactics you need to know to not only survive—but thrive—in a fluctuating economy. Pre registration is not required for this free event, which is sponsored by Quick Printing. Free transportation from the InterContinental to McCormick Place will be provided for those attending the NAQP Owners Conference.

But Wait...There's More!

Other programs that have been earmarked for the quick/small commercial printing track cover subjects such print on demand, short-run books, variable data printing, business documents, wide-format applications, and personal URLs (PURLS).

According to show organizers, the educational sessions that have been especially earmarked for quick printers include:

Sunday, October 26
10:15 a.m. Digital Printing — Building the Business
2:15 p.m. Digital Printing 2008-09 — Guide to the Hot Markets

Monday, October 27
8:15 a.m. Building and Profiting
from Digital and On Demand Printing Services
8:15 a.m. Winning Ways to Sell the New Print Buyer
8:30 a.m. The Pitfalls of Web-to- Print: Ignore at Your Peril!
10:15 a.m. Justifying Your Next Equipment Investment
2:00 p.m. VDP: Everything You Must Know
2:15 p.m. Technology Forecast: The Future of Print

Tuesday, October 28
8:15 a.m. Picture Perfect Digital Images
10:15 a.m. Discovering Digital Bindery
10:15 a.m. What Print Buyers Want from You in 2009
2:15 p.m. Integrating Offset and Digital — Hybrid
Approaches that Work

Wednesday, October 29
8:15 a.m. PURLS of Wisdom: Case Study Successes
8:15 a.m. Digital Technologies: A Roadmap for Your Business
10:15 a.m. Trends in Printed
Products: Pathways to Profit