Students Make their Mark • Graph Expo 2011 • Chicago, IL

October 9, 2011

The theme of Graph Expo 2011 was “Embrace Technology” and this is exactly what 45 Graphic Communications juniors and seniors did when traveling together to Chicago, Illinois to attend the graphic arts industry’s premier graphic arts show from September 10-12, 2011. While Graph Expo is geared towards industry professionals, who come to learn, network and make informed intelligent purchasing decisions, the students had the opportunity to see the latest technologies of 475 exhibitors. The show floor included live demonstrations of cutting edge graphic arts equipment (including digital and conventional presses), hardware, software, supplies, and consumables. Leading manufacturers and suppliers exhibited at the show and many of them showcased newly released products, technologies and services.

With so many opportunities the show was organized into sections focused on specific industry segments including prepress, design, and MIS software, presses and finishing equipment, ecology and sustainability, package printing, mailing and fulfillment, marketing, and education (Education Main Street). On Education Main Street, Clemson University had a booth to showcase our program along with other universities and organizations. The students and faculty staffing the booth met many attendees interested in our undergraduate and graduate degreed programs and our industry education, research and training opportunities. We hold the record every year with the most student attendees.

Everyone took a break from staffing the booth or walking the show floor and joined together at Heidelberg’s booth for Andy Paparazzi’s “State of the Industry Address”. Students learned the importance of staying lean, effective blogging, lessons from the recession, and overall best industry practices necessary to succeed. At the conclusion of the presentation, Heidelberg had a group photo taken of all the Clemson attendees. This photo appeared in the Show Daily publication distributed on each day of the show.

There was also an alumni gathering at the Burger Bar—conveniently located across from Chicago’s newest Apple Store. This provided the students with an additional networking opportunity with Clemson GC alumni. Alumni and students alike enjoyed the opportunity to talk one-on-one in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. This alumni event held annually is organized by one of our own alumni, Jasmine Wu ’04. If you missed us, make plans to meet up with us next year in Chicago.

Overall, the show was a grand success. The most gratifying comments we received where about our

students and how well they presented themselves when visiting the booths. Words like intelligent, professional, knowledgeable, polished, respectful and curious were most often used when vendors (many whom are alumni) described their encounters with the students. It makes you, “Proud to be a Tiger.”