ClemsonGC Attends 2015 SGIA Expo

November 30, 2015

Students pictured left to right: Jason Cagle, Jessica Johnson, Nina Davis, Kyle Manley, Stephen Skrocki, Jake Rentz, and Caleb Prather. Not pictured: Galen Hamrick.

Written by Jessica Johnson, Edited by Dr. Charles Weiss

Every year, industry partners, faculty, and students pack their bags and venture from all over the United States to the annual expo held by the Specialty Graphics Imaging Association, better known as SGIA. The 2015 SGIA Expo was held in Atlanta, Georgia, just a little over two hours from Tigertown.

This year, Dr. Weiss, Dr. Weisenmiller, one graduate student, and seven undergraduate students attended the expo on behalf of Clemson University’s Graphic Communications program. For the first time in the history of SGIA, post-secondary member schools were featured on Educator Row. It was an exciting opportunity for Clemson, as well as seven other schools, to represent their programs, expose students to potential employers, and to get an insider look at the industry. The other schools being represented were: Cal Poly State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Philadelphia University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Southern Crescent Technical College, and University of Massachusetts Lowell.

SGIA focuses on “specialty imaging,” which includes digital imaging, screen-printing, and the many other imaging technologies SGIA members use, including the exciting processes and technologies of the future. The imaging processes and technologies of SGIA are typically used to create new products and to enhance existing products including, but not limited to point-of-purchase displays, printed electronics, membrane switches, signs, advertisements, garments, containers, and vehicles. With more than 500 companies in attendance, students and faculty from Clemson were able to experience the benefits of the conference first hand.

Back at our booth, we received a lot of initial attention regarding our nationally ranked football team, which was a great segue into our promotion of all things ClemsonGC! If you were passing through, you might have heard us say, “we’re not just #1 in football, we’re #1 in graphics, too!” Students were able to discuss Intern Employer Day (IED) with industry leaders, which in my opinion is one of the largest assets of the ClemsonGC program. After having the opportunity to sit at the booth for a few hours over the last couple of days, I can say it is well known among the industry that ClemsonGC has some of the best students and alumni. Nothing puts a smile on my face like hearing industry leaders talk about our phenomenal program, students, and alumni. We had multiple companies interested in participating in IED and we hope we will be seeing them again this March! In addition to those interested in the program and being a part of IED, there were multiple companies interested in making donations to the program, which is very exciting. We also had several high school graphics students, high school teachers, prospective students, industry parents, and various alumni dropping by to say hello and to get more information on what we have to offer.

The 2015 SGIA Expo was a great success! It was great to see the industry come together to grow their businesses and programs alike by taking full advantage of the opportunities and information available at the 2015 SGIA Expo. ClemsonGC places such an emphasis on exposing students to the industry and experts by attending conferences and shows throughout the year. We are so fortunate to have amazing faculty who are willing to not only teach, but also get involved on an industry-level, as well as conferences willing to host us. Exposure to these learning and networking environments are invaluable opportunities that double as an asset to the classroom and lab. These opportunities give students the chance to go places and see new and exciting things they may not be exposed to otherwise. For more information on the conference, visit: https://www.sgia.org.