IADD•FSEA Odyssey: Bright Success In Tough Times

ATLANTA—The IADD•FSEA Odyssey celebrated its fifth anniversary May 6-8 in Atlanta. Each year the Odyssey has faced new challenges. However, this year’s rather daunting economic and industry pressures required exhibitors and attendees alike to rally in support of the show. It paid off, as the show closed amid high praise and general optimism that Odyssey will be a catalyst for both industry change and future economic activity.

Every two years, Odyssey brings together the some of the industry’s most innovative and progressive companies under one roof. For three days, it offers a comprehensive program designed to educate and serve all segments of the converting industry, from foil stamping and embossing to diecutting, diemaking, folding/gluing, and more. Attendees commented about the high quality of this year’s educational sessions and the information that was presented. Many said it was just what was needed in these challenging times. Exhibitors were pleased to meet so many potential customers, and a large segment of the equipment displayed in the Technology Hall and Techshop was sold and is on its way to new owners.

"You would think that the timing of this show would have not been ideal. In reality, it was the direct opposite," said Odyssey Chairman Eddie Mucci, National Steel Rule Company. "People were able to come together and realize that collectively we might be a bit beat up, but we’re all still standing. I think that provided people with a sense of relief and hope that they desperately needed."

Odyssey 2009 featured eight hands-on Techshop and 18 classroom sessions, plus six New Products & Processes Showcases featuring 35 of the many new innovations displayed on the Techshop floor. The approximate 1,000 registrants represented 20 different countries exploring 91 exhibiting companies in 167 booths. During the Odyssey, the IADD unveiled its new Can-Am Braille Standard, developed in cooperation with the Braille Authority of North America, and Kevin J. Carey of DieInfo received the IADD Lifetime Achievement Award. The FSEA honored a number of its members who won Gold Leaf Awards including Best of Show winner BrightMARKS, LLC.

Tthe next IADD•FSEA Odyssey will be held at the Nashville Convention Center on May 4-6, 2011. Visit www.iadd-fseaodyssey.com or call the IADD at 815/455-7519 for more information.