02.28.2022
Amplify, the Print Finishing & Embellishment Event, a collaborative venture of the Association for PRINT Technologies (APTech) and the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA), will mark its debut June 14-16, 2022, at the Minneapolis Convention Center and invites print finishing professionals across the industry to register online to enjoy the three-day trade show, immersive educational programming and pre-show events, including a Sustainability Summit.
Amplify sets its sights on raising the standard for metallic decorating techniques, folding and gluing, UV coating, laminates, laser cutting, binding, embossing, diecutting, and direct mail by showcasing the brands, products, equipment, software, and experts involved in the processes.
Across the show floor, attendees will discover innovative product solutions throughout the entire finishing value chain essential to their business success. Amplify will connect the contributors in the print finishing cycle—from design and embellishment to binding and direct mail, including Print Finishers & Binders, Carton and Label Manufacturers, Digital & Offset Printers, Direct Mail Service Providers, Greeting Card & Invitation Manufacturers, Book & Publication Producers, Creatives & Brand Owners.
Print finishing and embellishments are the creative elements and the emotional appeal of printed products. These products involve many specialties and multiple machines working in harmony. Mirroring the complexities of the print finishing and embellishment cycle, Amplify is set to connect the brands, machinery, key players, and processes involved to create eye-catching printed products.
According to APTech President, Thayer Long, “Amplify will pack a big punch in the space of just three days. There will be something of interest for all attendees, whether it’s the new technologies, the equipment demos, or the educational experiences, or the connections made on the show floor, this event heralds the return to business success for all.”
The event is receiving enthusiastic interest and support from manufacturers and suppliers in the finishing industry’s first in-person show since before the pandemic. Sponsors at the platinum level include Canon Solutions America, KURZ Transfer Products LP, and Sakurai USA, Inc. Other sponsors include Baldwin|AMS Spectral UV, Duplo, Harris & Bruno International, Heidelberg, Scodix, Infinity Foils Incorporated/ Universal Engraving—a UEI Group Company, Skandacor, and more.
Specialty show floor areas will include the Technology Zone, where event attendees will experience live equipment demonstrations from companies, including KAMA Foil Stamping/Embossing Press, Absolute Printing Equipment; Insignia Rotary Diecutter, Rollem; Kurz DM Liner Press, Kurz Transfer Products; Sakurai MS-102AX Cylinder Screen Press (with foil unit), Sakurai USA; SLEEKpro Digital Spot & Foil Finishing, Skandacor; and many more to be announced. The Mailing Pavilion is dedicated to mailing technology specialists and manufacturers who will be able to display and demonstrate their products and services.
Amplify also offers an Immersive Learning Experience—three days of education curated for print finishing, binding and embellishment professionals:
- UV Coatings Trends and Technologies
- Direct Mail—How Direct Mail Is Surviving and Thriving
- Applications and Opportunities for Digital Decorating Technologies
- Metallic Decorating—Growing Applications and Technology
- Value Added Sales for Print
- Cannabis Packaging Growth and Opportunities for Embellishments
- Workflow Improvements with High-Volume Folding Carton Finishing
- Bindery Efficiencies (Digital and Conventional Processes)
Speakers will include industry professionals and experts including, Kevin Abergel, Taktiful; Trish Witkowski, Fold Factory; Leslie Groene, Groene Consulting; Kary Radestock, Hippo Premium Packaging; Jennifer Heathcote, GEW; Sabine Lenz, PaperSpecs; and, Jeff Peterson, FSEA. A complete line-up of speakers and programming will be available soon.
The Learning Experience also features the Sustainability Summit—A three-hour program to run from 1:00 to 4:00 on Monday, June 13, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The Summit is dedicated to examining sustainability issues in print and packaging, especially around recyclability of products with special finishing applications. These include hot, cold and digital transfer foils, UV coatings, as well as paper and paperboard. Full details of the program and speakers will be available shortly.
