by Cassandra Balentine
A new trade event is coming to the print industry. In terms of trends we pick up where we left off—embellishment. Packing up from PRINT 19, worldwide lockdowns and travel bans were not anticipated, but we knew the industry was in transition. Demand for shorter runs, more SKUs, and added effects like UV spot coating and metallic inks were on the rise.
To serve this growing demand, two prominent organizations, The Association for PRINT Technologies (APTech) and Foil & Speciality Effects Association (FSEA) present Amplify. It is scheduled to take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN from June 14 to 16, 2022.
“About two years go, we realized there was a gap in the industry for a community and event dedicated to print finishing and embellishments,” says Thayer Long, president, APTech. The two firms began discussing the opportunity to start a new brand focused on the products, processes, and organizations setting the standard for excellence in print finishing and embellishments. “Thus, Amplify was born,” he shares.
Is it for You?
The goal of Amplify is to bring print finishing and embellishments to the forefront, and connect all contributors to the cycle, including carton and label manufacturers, digital and offset printers, print finishers and binders, direct mail service providers, greeting card and invitation manufacturers, book and publication producers, creatives, and brand owners.
Jeff Peterson, executive director, FSEA, notes that the value add to print is happening in the print finishing area, making this segment compelling. “From conceptualization to final product, any individual involved in the finishing process will benefit from attending Amplify and leave with a better understanding of the features that catch the eye of the consumer, how to create brand recognition, and opportunities for delivering profit-driving results.”
APTech and FSEA have well-established audiences through years of experience. Additionally, APTech benefits from relationships it has built with the industry over the decades as the premier organizer of GRAPH EXPO and PRINT shows.
Looking Ahead
While it’s hard to look past the next month, or even week right now, having a long-term plan is essential for a new event.
“2022 will mark the kickoff of Amplify, but we’re committed to making it an ongoing, yearly event,” says Peterson. “A trend we noticed prior to COVID-19 that accelerated during the pandemic is the need for more hyper-focused events, educational programs, and networking opportunities. By creating a targeted event around one of the print industry’s fastest growing and most unique segments, we believe Amplify will be successful for many years to come,” offers Peterson.
Long says its goals extend beyond an annual event. “Ultimately, we’re planning to develop Amplify into a lasting and engaged community. We also see immense potential for this community to bridge the gap between printers/manufacturers and creative agencies/the design community.”
See You There
For more information on Amplify, visit industrialprintmagazine.com/webinars for a discussion with Long and Peterson on the new event.
We’re excited to head to Minneapolis this Spring, and we hope to see you there. IPM
Feb2022, Industrial Print Magazine
