Three, Two, One?Happy New Year!

This year, instead of creating that long list of New Year's resolutions, how about just making one—resolve to learn more about the graphic arts and converting industry.

by Joy English

RINGING IN THE new year is a happy celebration, with party hats and champagne. But with it comes those dreaded make-them, then break-them New Year's resolutions. This year, put down the pencil and tear up that growing list of resolutions. If there is only one resolution to keep in 2004, make it your attendance at the 29th annual Graphics of the Americas® 2004 (GOA 2004) show. Hosted by the Printing Association of Florida January 23-25 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, this year's show, featuring 1,400 booths of new products and equipment from two vital markets (Southeast U.S. and Latin America), promises added attractions.

Kicking off GOA 2004 January 22 and 23 is TrendVision, a conference for graphic communications professionals focusing on business and technology trends in the graphics industry, and covering trends in print buying, print use, print practices, competitors, and commercial and corporate communication markets. Complementary GOA 2004 admission is included with TrendVision registration.

Featured exhibit spaces at GOA 2004 will include: Design City, an expanded exposition area for creative professionals to gain current information on new developments in print and graphic communications, with a keynote presentation by Adobe's General Manager of the Print Workflow Products Group Don Walker on January 24; and Printers' Showcase—described as a "show-within-a-show"—which will allow print buying professionals to survey and compare the capabilities of more than 35 companies. With Printers' Showcase, Chris Price, VP and general manager of Graphics of the Americas 2004, says, "We are uniquely positioned to bring print buyers the widest variety of choices under one roof."

Graphics of the Americas 2004, in response to feedback from last year's show, has also added the Mailing Systems Zone. It will feature the most recent advances in mailing and fulfillment equipment and technology, with exhibit space, a presentation theater, and live demonstrations in mailing system workflows.

For more information, online show and seminar registration, hotel and transportation reservations, and itinerary planning, visit www.graphicsoftheamericas.com.