The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) Convenes in New Orleans October 19-21, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2011

The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) Convenes in New Orleans October 19-21, 2011
More than 16,000 attendees expected to visit New Orleans for 2011 SGIA Expo

WHAT:   2011 SGIA Expo                                                

WHERE:  New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO); Halls B-E

WHEN: Wednesday, October 19-Friday, October 21, 2011

DETAILS: The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA), comprised of imaging professionals focusing on wide format graphic solutions, will fill the MCCNO with more than 16,000 participants for the 2011 SGIA Expo. This conference is expected to generate approximately $18 million in economic impact.

The Expo features six zones, each focusing on an area of graphic imaging. A few examples include the Digital Apparel Production Zone, the Industrial & Printed Electronics Zone and the PDAA Graphics Application Zone. Exhibitors are graciously donating large quantities of t-shirts to the Arc of Greater New Orleans, a local organization serving people with intellectual disabilities and delays from birth through adulthood in Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes. http://arcgno.org/

The colorful local artist Jamie Hayes partners with SGIA to bring New Orleans culture to the Expo. Hayes' images will be used for creating production samples at the Expo, and then given away to selected attendees. Hayes will also have two booths on the floor to sell and autograph his prints.  

SGIA Expo is a small city-wide convention, made up of producers of graphics and signs (60%), garments (25%), industrial (12%) and installers (3%), and they were recognized as the "Show with the Most Dramatic Growth" at Trade Show Executive Gold 100 Awards and Summit in Half Moon Bay, California earlier this year.

In 2006, SGIA created the Canal Street Initiative, and produced 120 four foot by eight foot panels as well as a 120 foot by 20 foot supergraphic, that were displayed in storefront windows that had not yet reopened. Their commitment and loyalty to New Orleans continues to show as they return to New Orleans after hosting their 2009 Expo in New Orleans, with plans to return in the future.     

WEBSITE:  www.sgia.org

MAJOR EVENTS: (All events held at MCCNO, unless noted otherwise)

• Wed, Oct. 19-Fri, Oct. 21: Local Artist Jamie Hayes signs autographs on Expo floor; Booth # 745 (11:15-11:45 a.m.) and Booth # 1945 (Noon-12:30 p.m.). He will be in the lobby from 8:30-10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m.

EXHIBIT HALL: MCCNO, Halls B-E
HOURS: Wed, Oct. 19-Thurs, Oct. 20: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri, Oct. 21: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
PRESS ROOM: MCCNO, Hall E, Room 235
HOURS: Wed, Oct. 19-Fri, Oct. 21: 5 a.m.-7 p.m.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
SGIA: Susan Veoni, susan@sgia.org
New Orleans CVB: Tara Letort, 504-566-5019, tletort@neworleanscvb.com; Kelly Schulz, 504-421-0962, kschulz@neworleanscvb.com; Jennifer Day, 773-909-2514, jday@neworleanscvb.com
MCCNO: Rosalie Mortillaro, 504-582-3027, rmortillaro@mccno.com

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