Despite Challenges, GRAPH EXPO Proves a Hit

RESTON, VA—It would have been hard for even the most tenacious of travelers to not be impacted by the significant challenges that the fire at the FAA facility in Aurora, IL, caused for people attending GRAPH EXPO 14 and co-located CPP EXPO last month. But despite 4,251 flight cancellations and over 12,000 significant delays at Chicago's two major airports during the show, attendees found a way to get to the show.

"The show's success, measured by increased leads and orders over the last GRAPH EXPO would have been noteworthy, but the number of stories of persistent efforts and the creative ways attendees used to get to Chicago further highlighted the value and significance the show holds for our industry and its leaders," said Ralph Nappi, president of the Graphic Arts Show Co.

According to Igbanny Kalu, owner of Discovery Print House, "EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK is the best thing that ever happened to me after so many years in the Graphic/Print profession. Regardless of the distance I traveled, more than 28 hours by air, to attend GRAPH EXPO 14 and especially EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK."

Disappointed others who could not get to the show, like Henry Freedman, owner, Technology Watch, went so far as to say, "This was the first year in three decades I missed GRAPH EXPO due to Chicago's air traffic control problems. This significantly impacted our business in that I lost 14 meetings, was unable to share our company's latest developments, and missed my first-hand opportunity to get a pulse on the state of the industry."

Despite the negative impact from the FAA fire in Aurora, show attendance was off only 8 percent from the last GRAPH EXPO with actual onsite verified attendance totaling 19,229.

Well satisfied attendees and exhibitors, who declared plentiful new leads and sales during the event held Sept. 28-Oct. 1, 2014, in Chicago's McCormick Place, proclaimed the show a success.