Cicero, IL

Pittsburgh, PA, June 1, 2007—PIA/GATF Presidents Conference Advisory Committee and the BIA Board of Directors has announced March 2–6, 2008 as the dates for the 2008 Presidents Conference and BIA Conference. The program will be held at the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Hotel in Cancun, Mexico.

Print and bindery executives are tackling more challenges than ever. Faced with competition, they must seek new ways to market. Faced with decreasing revenues, they must find new ways to reduce costs. Faced with the challenge of serving customers differently, printers and binders must respond.

The Presidents Conference is an annual three and a half-day program focusing on management issues currently affecting owners, presidents, and senior executives in the industry. Held at a resort location, educational programs and networking are key benefits. It features highly acclaimed notable speakers and consultants from the industry who present working concepts and content that helps generate ideas and initiatives.

“We are delighted with the warm, sunny venue of Cancun—I am sure that after the winter Oklahoma is known for, this will be a great break for me. It’s not just the location though—I always come back with solid information that I can act over the next year. And probably just as important is the wonderful opportunity to network with my peers. This conference gives me ideas that help me make money and grow my business,” said PIA/GATF Chairman of the Board, David C. DeLana, Heritage Press, El Reno, OK.

The Binding Industries Association International (BIA) will again offer members an opportunity to join PIA/GATF at the 2008 Presidents Conference. According to BIA Board Chairman, Bob Windler, Diecrafters, Inc, Cicero, IL, “It is invaluable to bring together the two groups at one premier conference. The forum provides the BIA membership direct access to the key decision makers in the printing community. Combining that with top quality program content and access to network with peers, customers, and prospects makes this alliance a winning combination.”

The content is based on results of a member survey sent to past participants and a mixture of non-attendees. “We want to know what is keeping our members awake at night and their answers are usually right on target for content, where the industry focus is, and what the conference should concern itself with,” said PIA/GATF president and CEO, Michael Makin. “This year, the survey will be on the GAIN website for everyone to contribute to as the pulse on the industry.” The survey will be posted mid-June, and everyone is invited to participate.

New United States Homeland Security rules require passports for travel to Cancun, Mexico. If you need to renew or apply for a passport, please visit www.travel.state.gov. For more information on the 2008 Presidents Conference and BIA Conference, visit www.presidentsconference.com or call Diane Koch at (800) 910-4283, ext. 803 or send an email to dkoch@piagatf.org.

About PIA/GATF: PIA/GATF is the world’s largest graphic arts trade association representing an industry with more than 1.2 million employees. It serves the interests of more than 12,000 member companies. PIA/GATF, along with its affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth, efficiency, and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy, education, research, and technical information.

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