The Printing Industries Association of San Diego (PIA/SD), the largest local association serving the graphic arts and printing industries, announces the return of the Annual PIA Expo to San Diego.  This year’s Expo is scheduled for April 22-26, 2013 with the trade show and seminars to be held on Thurs., April 25, 2013 at the San Diego Convention Center. Now in its 26th year, the PIA Expo is an opportunity for software distributors, equipment manufacturers, paper distributors, mailing services, commercial and specialty printers, and business services to meet directly with design?ers, advertising execs, public relations, Mar/Com professionals, print buyers and all print professionals. 

“The San Diego print industry is continually changing with emerging and dynamic technologies,” said Brad Reimers, co-chairman of the 2013 PIA Expo, and president of SOS Printing. “That’s why this year’s show, ‘Delivering Innovation’ will focus on the new technologies that keep print relevant as an effective and essential medium in the marketing mix,” Reimers added.

“The PIA Expo brings together professionals who strive to create effective marketing.  This annual event provides marketing professionals and San Diego business leaders a day to learn and network with the best of the best in one location,” stated Boyd Richardson, president of RR Donnelley San Diego and co-chairman of the 2013 PIA Expo.

With more and more research showing the decline of digital media as the preferred method for consumer outreach, marketing professionals are turning their attention back to print. This year’s show “Delivering Innovation” will showcase the importance and necessity of print in an effective integrated marketing plan.

Throughout the day, nine seminars will cover timely topics, renowned speakers, and a plethora of invaluable marketing information. Seminar speakers and topics scheduled-to-date include Daniel Dejan of Sappi Fine Paper sharing the best of printed special effects; Leatrice Eiseman of Pantone Color Institute addressing new hot color trends; Steve Decker of Zooka Creative presenting a national award winning client case study; Gordon Glazer of San Diego Postal & Shipping equipment discussing how to leverage new USPS innovations; and Brian Wood of Adobe covering tips and tricks of Adobe Creative Suite 6. 

Sponsors for the 2013 PIA Expo include Premier Sponsors: UPS and Ricoh Production Printing; Gold Sponsors: Marathon Solutions, Inc. and Adobe; and Mail Sponsor, Eye/Comm along with Seminar Sponsor, Pantone Color. These companies will partner with PIA/SD to host the 2013 PIA Expo, the only show of its kind in San Diego, to showcase print, marketing and digital capabilities to corporate business in Southern California. In addition, San Diego Ad Club, American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA), and the Mailing Systems Management Association (MSMA) will be industry partners co-hosting seminars at the 2013 PIA Expo. 

Along with this one day show, there will also be a set of week-long events from Mon., Apr. 22 – Fri., Apr. 26, 2013 that include tours of print facilities, the USPS and the San Diego Union Tribune. Tour information will be updated at www.piasd.org.