Continuing its commitment to provide verified attendee data, the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC) reported 31,779 total participants (includes exhibitors and attendees) at the event, achieving a 3% increase in attendance over last year, with 20,285 actual verified attendees.

In attendance this year was Dr. Carl Blue, Asst. Professor in UNI’s Industrial Technology department. He attended the expo, as well as some of the teacher’s conference sessions. In these sessions, it was learned that there are six primary survival technologies that students at UNI may want to concentrate on as part of their education. These technologies are:

It was also discovered that there is currently a surplus of jobs in the United States for persons with a Graphic Communications background due to a shortage of qualified professors and a shortage of students entering this field.

There were several new technologies on display at this year’s expo including a Semi Autonomous Robotic Router for cutting out graphics on various types of hardboard, an Ink jet digital press, a new type of signage using flexible lights, and advances in 3-D printing technologies.

Dr. Blue stated that the best place to find the newest ideas are along the outskirts of the show, instead of on the main floor. He saw many different versions of current equipment he would love to see at UNI in the future.

Next year’s GRAPH EXPO will be held on October 26-29 at McCormick Place. Based on the overwhelming success of this year’s show, exhibit space for the 2008 event is already 80 percent reserved.
The UNI Grafx Club will be trying to attend next years expo. They are currently working on several projects to raise money for the trip. One of those projects is designing t-shirts for any organization wanting shirts for Spring Break 2008. For further information contact :

Carl Blue
Asst Professor, Industrial Technology
carl.blue@uni.edu