EskoWorld 2010 Global User Event to be Held April 18-21 in Tampa

GENT, BELGIUM—November 2009—EskoArtwork (www.esko.com/eskoworld) has announced that, following last year's success, its next EskoWorld worldwide conference will be held at the Marriott Tampa Waterside Hotel and Marina, from April 18-21, 2010. EskoArtwork plans to broaden the program for the upcoming event to offer more valuable content to more users, in more markets, with more partners and for more applications.

EskoWorld Mission: Share ideas and knowledge
EskoWorld brings together customers, EskoArtwork partners, product specialists and support staff into an environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and product knowledge. To support the event, EskoArtwork assembles a large number of staff for conference program presentations and demonstrations and to ensure that they have ample time to listen to all the customer input and to provide feedback. EskoArtwork partners are also on-hand to provide answers to questions on how workflows can be extended and integrated.

"During EskoWorld, users participate in training sessions, roundtable discussions, seminars and hands-on labs, designed for novice, journeyman, and advanced users. Attendees often discuss product use and best practices tips among themselves, allowing them to return home with actionable ideas that can add even more value to their EskoArtwork solutions," explains Simon James, EskoArtwork SVP Marketing. "Most important, EskoWorld allows us to share product plans with our users and to listen carefully to their feedback. Attendees have had an active role in offering suggestions for improvements to EskoArtwork solutions. Their views about our technology, service and support provide critical input for future product and business planning."

The organization of the event and preparation of relevant content is always a collaborative process between EskoArtwork and the EskoArtwork Users Group International (EUGI) leadership. "The conference continues to grow in scope and usefulness. Many attendees find EskoWorld very helpful because they can receive in-depth insight into their use of their products and solutions--not just from EskoArtwork but from other users, too. Attendees can choose to attend seminars, or view demos, all in the same place, any time they want," observes Greg Wishon of Temple Inland, and EUGI Board Member. "We expect that EskoWorld 2010 will extend offerings from more third party vendors, as well as provide more hands-on workflow training sessions from EskoArtwork. It's an invaluable resource for all users."

Global representation from the complete spectrum of packaging and print providers
While based in the U.S., EskoWorld draws strong worldwide interest. For 2010, EskoArtwork expects more of its attendees to arrive from overseas, adding to the substantial growth in attendance. "Our primary goal is to attract attendees from the complete spectrum of the many thousands of EskoArtwork users worldwide: packaging and graphic arts companies such as converters, commercial printers, publishers, sign and display firms, to packaging designers and brand owners," adds Simon James. "In this global economy, we believe our users benefit significantly from interacting with others from around the world."

High praise from 2009 attendees
Even during the difficult economy in 2009, the user conference was a resounding success, with strong attendance and a complete program that was appreciated by users. "The sessions I attended were very informative, and useful," commented Jonathan Peace of nVIUS Graphics, Inc. "The speakers did an excellent job answering and explaining all questions asked. I was very pleased with the conference and how everything turned out."

"The conference was better than I even thought it would be," added Suzanne Fontana, of Pamco Label. "Since attending, my company has experienced even more value from our system. The wealth of information and the networking is a great benefit."

Exceptional networking event with EskoArtwork partners
EskoWorld also benefits EskoArtwork industry and technology partners, with a dedicated exhibition area that allows them to offer attendees ready access to demos and helpful information, along with opportunities to make presentations to the group. "The 2009 event was a great opportunity for us to introduce our company and solutions to an exclusive audience. For us, the event was much more efficient than any tradeshow," explains Michael Lauterbach, head of customer relations and business development, Dr. Lauterbach & Partner GmbH, SAP Business Partner and supplier of ERP solutions for the packaging industry. "I thank EskoArtwork and their user group for the professional event management and great support. We will definitely participate in the 2010 event."

Information and registration
EskoArtwork users can register for the conference by visiting www.esko.com/eskoworld. The site also operates as a central communications platform and will be frequently updated with latest information, agenda details, speaker backgrounds, and more. More information about the venue is available at http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpamc-tampa-marriott-waterside-hotel-and-marina/.

An 'early bird' fee is available for those who register before March 19. Customers from EMEALA and ASP who register by the end of 2009 are also eligible to enter a drawing for a series of free flights.

About The EskoArtwork User Group International (www.eugi.org)
The EskoArtwork User Group International (EUGI) is open to any company that has EskoArtwork solutions, or has signed a purchase order for scheduled solution delivery. EUGI exists in partnership with EskoArtwork to learn about and direct the future of EskoArtwork's' structural & pre-production solutions. EUGI immerses members in a network of fellow users, all willing to share information and tips. EUGI also provides invaluable information to experienced EskoArtwork's users to fine-tune and maximize system use.

About EskoArtwork (www.esko.com)
EskoArtwork is a global supplier and integrator of innovative solutions for packaging, commercial printing, sign and display finishing and professional publishing. Its products and services help customers raise productivity, reduce time-to-market, lower costs and expand business.

EskoArtwork is the worldwide market leader with pre-production and collaboration software for packaging buyers, designers and manufacturers. The CDI flexo computer-to-plate imagers, Kongsberg short-run converting and signage finishing systems complete the portfolio for the packaging, label, signage and display industries.

The company also provides a range of workflow solutions for the commercial printing and publishing market, as well as the Enfocus suite of PDF tools for graphic designers and print production professionals.

EskoArtwork employs around 900 people worldwide. Its global sales and support organization covers Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific and Japan, and is completed by a network of distribution partners in more than 40 countries.

EskoArtwork is headquartered in Gent, Belgium, and has R&D and manufacturing facilities in 5 European countries, the United States and in India. The consolidated full year revenue for 2007 amounted to EUR 170 million, with an EBITDA of EUR 30 million.