Graphics of the Americas Draws Crowds
- Published: February 18, 2005, By Nsenga Byrd Thompson, Associate Editor
Show in Review
An improving economy may have played a role in the increased foot traffic at this year’s Graphics of the Americas, held February 4-6 at the Miami Beach Convention Ctr. in Miami Beach, FL. Show organizers report increased attendance by as much as 15% from last year’s attendee list of 20,000. With 500 exhibiting companies spread over 500,000 sq ft of exhibit space, GOA’s global reach could be seen from the diversity of faces and languages from around the world.
Special Features Make a Splash at GOA
One of the big successes of this year’s show was the presence of Xplor Intl., which hosted a two-day conference program Feb 3-4. Due to the program’s success, Xplor recently announced it has rescheduled its Global Electronic Document Systems conference from November 6-10, 2005 in Orlando, FL, to co-locate with GOA.
The GOA conference program also included a two-day InDesign conference, held Feb. 3-4 and a Photoshop track conducted Saturday, Feb. 5.
Also making a major impact at GOA was the new JDF pavilion. The pavilion, a combination of presentation theater and exhibits, featured three days of multi-vendor presentations and hands-on demonstrations designed to provide attendees with a clear understanding of the emerging standard.
Along with professionals from around the world, high school students were a visible part of the attendee roster. Designed for students interested or involved in the graphic arts industry, GOA’s Career Awareness Day on Feb. 4 hosted several area high school students.
22nd Annual GALA Awards
Mario Cesar de Camargo, president of the Brazilian Assn. of the Graphical Industry (Abigraf), and Warren Wilkins, president of Webcom Ltd., were named Graphics Arts Leaders of the Americas for South and North America for 2005. Both men received their awards before hundreds of industry leaders and guests at the 22nd annual GALA award banquet and reception, Friday, February 4.
"The printing industries in North and Latin America have greatly benefited from the influence of both Mario Cesar de Camargo and Warren Wilkins," says Mike Streibig, president of the Printing Assn. of Florida. Their hard work and dedication to their individual companies and the industry at large have earned d these honors."
Graphics of the Americas 2006 will be held Feb. 3-5 at the Miami Beach Convention Ctr. in Miami Beach, FL. For more information, visit graphicsoftheamericas.com.
