SGIA: Navigating the Printing Evolution

The printing industry is characterized by dynamism. People in the industry — whether they’re print service providers (PSPs), suppliers or OEMs — have begun to truly embrace change. As technology has changed, PSPs have innovated, and printing has evolved.

The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) has evolved along with the industry — from our first days as a group for screen printers to our “under-one-roof” approach of today. A lot has changed, especially in the last two years, and it has set the stage for what’s to come. 

Change is Good

Convergence — the blurring of technological boundaries between once distinct industry segments — and diversification — the way PSPs are embracing technologies and markets outside their traditional offerings — have propelled the changes we’ve seen in the association and in our trade show, now known as PRINTING United.

PRINTING United is the collaboration of two forward-looking companies, SGIA and NAPCO Media, which accepted the challenge to answer an industry need. Our debut event in October featured a sold-out show floor with more than 675 exhibitors, over 100 educational sessions and a full offering of networking events. Built on the platform of the “old” SGIA Expo, PRINTING United went further, opening up new pathways to opportunity by representing the entire printing marketplace — from apparel decorating and graphics production, to commercial printing and packaging printing. The partnerships we formed as we produced the show are a testament to that inclusivity; groups like the In-plant Printing & Mailing Association (IPMA), the Association of Independent Corrugated Convertors (AICC) and DSCOOP saw the value in and supported PRINTING United.

With our subsequent acquisition of NAPCO this summer, SGIA capitalized on the two organizations’ unique strengths, expanding our combined capabilities geometrically, and reaching outside of SGIA’s traditional community to embrace the industry as a whole. 

Knowledge is Power

Convergence is a powerful phenomenon, but if you’re a PSP trying to navigate the sea of change, it can also be overwhelming. That’s why SGIA offers impactful year-round resources, including education, training, research, networking and technical certifications.

Because understanding the context in which a business operates is so important, we’ve reinvigorated our industry research program, creating respondent panels and increasing participation. Combining these efforts with those of NAPCO Media Research, we expect robust offerings in the coming months.

This December, we’re collaborating with AATCC on the Digital Textile Printing Conference 4.0. This two-day event, Dec. 11-12 in Durham, N.C., brings together some of the industry’s best-known and most-respected experts presenting key trends and technological developments that are accelerating the digitally printed textile market.

SGIA has taken a leadership role in the color management arena, convening the Digital Specifications Working Group to address the lack of common color targets in digital printing. It’s a star-studded group, including representatives from companies including WestRock, Fujifilm and Nazdar, and the Sonoco Institute at Clemson University is providing measurement data. The group’s first task is establishing color targets for dye sublimation printing.

On a more granular level, SGIA’s Color Management Boot Camps and Certified Color Professional Certifications continue to provide PSPs with critical know-how, and the credentials to prove it. There will be more than 15 boot camps — presented by partners and SGIA — in 2020. Getting color right is key to reducing waste and increasing customer satisfaction, and I’m proud of the role we’re taking in helping the industry improve.

SGIA also offers credentials for installers — and that’s another program we’re improving for 2020. Come the beginning of the year, installers will be able to earn badges in Commercial Vehicle/Fleet, Architectural Level 1 and Color Change. (Installers who are currently PDAA Master Certified will be awarded the Commercial Vehicle/Fleet badge and the Architecture Level 1 badge.)

Connections are Key

Technology is exciting, but what really makes printing so dynamic are the people in the industry. SGIA invests in strengthening communities where PSPs and suppliers and manufacturers can meet and learn from each other — online and in person. 

Events like the THREADX conference for apparel decorators, Digital Textile Printing Conference and PRINTING United are just a few examples of the many offerings we have, and we’re adding more.

In April, we’re introducing the Wide-Format Summit, an invitation-only conference in Austin, Texas. It’s designed for senior managers and executives who want to understand how current and future printing and finishing technologies, substrate options and data management solutions will impact their businesses. The summit, which will take place alongside NAPCO’s eighth annual Inkjet Summit, will provide strategic-level insights into what printing industry leaders must do to grow, improve and optimize their businesses. 

We’re also proud to be working on Partners in Printing with Empire Screen Printing of La Crosse, Wisc. Empire creates printed products for industries including appliances, automotive, aircraft, electronics, food and beverage, government, sporting goods and retail. This unique biennial event combines professional education with a vendor fair and networking.

As 2020 rolls on, SGIA will continue to offer programs that bolster your skills, expand your thinking and introduce you to your peers as we continue to change to better meet your needs. 

Learn more about how you can take full advantage of all SGIA offers at SGIA.org.