Expo Bound: Exploring the Future of Print
The following article was originally published by Wide-format Impressions. To read more of their content, subscribe to their newsletter, Wide-Format Impressions.
Murray Scott, Super Plak Inc.
The PRINTING United Expo — September 10-12 in Las Vegas — is just around the corner, and attendees are eagerly preparing for days filled with learning, networking, and inspiration. As we approach the Expo, we're excited to present a series of Q&A interviews with attendees from diverse sectors. They'll share their reasons for attending the PRINTING United Expo, the knowledge they hope to gain, and what they're most looking forward to at the event.
Super Plak Inc.
Murray Scott, President
St. Catharines, ON, Canada
superplak.com
Established in 1992, Super Plak began by providing mounting and laminating services to galleries, picture framers, and photo shops across Southern Ontario and Western New York. Over the next few years, Super Plak expanded its product range and markets and established partners across the US and Canada. As Super Plak grows and moves forward, we are establishing ourselves in a fulfillment role (PSP & POD) for many of our clients. I'm also proud to say that Super Plak is a second-generation company.
WFI: What motivated you to attend the Expo this year?
Scott: I have attended a number of trade shows over the years, but primarily in Toronto. As markets have been disrupted, technologies have evolved, and our world seems to get smaller. I felt it was necessary to look toward trade fairs and opportunities further from home. Most recently, my son Eric and I visited PRINTING UNITED Expo 2023 in Atlanta and FESPA 2024 in Amsterdam. I have to say that we both had the world open for us. We met so many amazing people and each of them had so much they were willing to share with us.
WFI: If you’re a first-time attendee, what are you hoping to learn? If you're returning, what brings you back?
Scott: The opportunities presented at PRINTING UNITED Expo are very exciting. I can't wait to get a look at the emerging technologies and the new products & equipment being presented. I have also made a few key connections at recent shows and attending Printing United Expo is a great way to further develop and grow these partnerships. I want to get more hands-on experience as well, so I'll be looking for that kind of engagement in the POD area of the show.
WFI: Which products, brands, or services are you most looking forward to seeing at the Expo?
Scott: My main focus is sourcing consumables, wide-format printing and processing equipment, and web technologies.
WFI: How do you plan to maximize your time at the Expo?
Scott: Honestly, there's just so much to see and do and learn that I have completely over-filled my schedule with keynote presentations and educational seminars. I'll take the next few days and pare them back a bit. I definitely have a list of vendors and key connections that I plan to meet. And I'll be making good use of the My Show Planner which is available on the Expo website.
WFI: How do you think attending the Expo will impact your business or career?
Scott: My goal is to find ways to help our partners grow through print. Attending the PRINTING UNITED Expo will allow me to focus on the new technologies and innovations that are driving the industry forward. I definitely want to make sure Super Plak and our partners are in a place to take advantage of the new and amazing opportunities in front of us.
To read more Q&As with PRINTING United Expo attendees, visit the article: Are You Expo Bound?. To register to attend, please visit PrintingUnited.com.
Denise Gustavson is the Editorial Director for the Alliance Media Brands — which includes Printing Impressions, Packaging Impressions, In-plant Impressions, Wide-Format Impressions, Apparelist, NonProfitPRO, and the PRINTING United Journal — PRINTING United Alliance.
