PRINT18: ClemsonGC Students attend trade show in Chicago

October 31, 2018

PRINT18 is an annual trade show held in Chicago where industry professionals from around the globe connect and network. PRINT18 offered all the education, tools, products and innovations needed to grow a business and achieve the goals they may have. As students, our experience with the trade show was somewhat different than that of professionals who are already working in the field, since we were there to soak in as much information as possible and network with future employers. This trade show allowed us to see things we learn about in a classroom setting in context of the real-world. Being able to see vastly different printing equipment in action, and the opportunity to ask the professionals questions was a privilege one could only get from going to the conference.

Over 300 exhibitors present their technology and business practices at PRINT18. The experience of standing on the show floor surrounded by so many industry leaders is inspiring, as it really opened the eyes of the students to the numerous opportunities graduates of the Graphic Communications program have when they leave Clemson. PRINT18 was valuable to the students to develop networking skills that will aide in their ability to speak with knowledge and experience when they graduate. The development of these skills can only be promoted in environments such as PRINT18, outside of the classroom.

In addition to professional development and learning experiences, it was really inspiring to see how renowned the Clemson University Graphic Communications Department and professors are in this industry. Professionals from all over the country, in various facets of the industry, continually throughout the conference came over to the Clemson booth to express their respect for our program and facilities. The ability to strike up a conversation because of the school you attend and the prestige of that department was very humbling.

As well as managing the booth, students had the opportunity to answer questions and network with a wide variety of companies in hopes of landing a potential job or internship. Overall, traveling to Chicago was a remarkable experience for us to expand our knowledge and view of the industry. We are grateful that the Clemson Graphic Communications department provides opportunities like this for us to put our name and what we do, out into the industry. Experiences and opportunities are what sets this program apart, and creates the ability to have confidence when we take start an internship, or take our first job that we can do this and we will be successful.

Students attending PRINT18 with the department: Allie Lusk, Lauren Robinson, Makyya Johnson, Anthony Ciuzio, Matthew Linn, Ethan Hajas, Madison Hetu, Jacob Chambers, Amelia Bond, and Gracie Miller.