Move Over, Mickey: GRAPH EXPO 16 Is Orlando-Bound

RESTON, VA—Get ready, Mickey Mouse! The Graphic Arts Show Co. (GASC) announced that GRAPH EXPO 16 will take place Sept. 25-28, 2016, in Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, home to Disney World, affordable hotels and a number of other perks that could signal a post-2016 future in which Chicago will not be the exclusive home to the printing industry’s annual equipment and technology showcase.

“We see Orlando as an ideal destination to maintain and expand our current U.S. audience, and also build our international contingent of attendees, particularly from Latin America,” stated GASC President Ralph Nappi.

Nappi adds that exhibitor and hotel costs are high in Chicago. Another reason for the venue change was the inability to secure dates in Chicago in 2016 that didn’t conflict with religious holidays.

This is not the first time GRAPH EXPO has strayed from the Windy City. But Chicago lovers will be pleased to know that the global PRINT 17 show will return Sept. 10-14 in 2017, in deference to the large number of Midwest printers who drive to the show.

Beyond that, anything’s possible in terms of possible show locations.