WEDNESDAY

11am - 12:30pm

SEM 50
Intro to CorelDRAW (Part I): The Essential Skill Set
Craig Mertens and Jay Busselle present essential, but fundamental skills in CorelDRAW for the production of custom graphics. The goal of this seminar is to outline a general set of skills required for the creation of graphics for screen printing, CAD-cutting, sign making, embroidery, direct to garment printing and sublimation printing. Topics include:

• Overview of the CorelDRAW workspace
• Overview of the CorelDRAW toolbar
• Bitmaps versus vector graphics
• Spot colors vs. process colors
• Importing and editing clip art
• Working with text
• Printing and exporting graphics

New industry specific features in CorelDRAW X4 will be presented, along with hidden tips and tricks. Learn how the versatility of this powerful software program can enhance your bottom line. This class is an essential first step for Jay and Craig's second seminar on Wednesday at 3pm, Intro to CorelDRAW (Part II): Everyday Production Skills for Taking Your Art Production to the Next Level.

SEM 51
Success Tactics for the Laser Engraving Entrepreneur
Tom "Buzz" Bernard explores the capabilities of your laser engraver and uncovers profit centers you may not be aware of. Laser engravers can raster (engrave) and Vector (cut), but what you do (create) is what determines your success. Tom explains the Give-To-Get method, wholesale and retail sales, using new substrates to expand your offerings and how to get the exposure you need to succeed.

1pm - 2:30pm (Wednesday)

SEM 53
Custom Heat Transfers (Part I): Getting Started
Michael Kaminsky provides entry-level information on the basic process of heat transfers by giving you a step-by-step guide to beginning your custom heat transfer business. Even current business owners will be able to take away valuable ideas and guidelines that can be immediately implemented in their shop. Michael explores all areas of heat transfers including inkjet, laser, wax thermal and sublimation. With 13 years of industry knowledge, Michael will provide the footprint for your successful heat transfer business. Don't miss Michael's second class, Custom Heat Transfers (Part II): Profitable Markets for Printing on Fabrics, Ceramics, Metals and Plastics on Wednesday at 5pm.

SEM 54
Are You New to Digital Printing? Start Here First
Learn how to make your business ready to enter the exploding digital marketplace. Fernando Catania provides fundamental definitions of key printing terminology and provides detailed information on basic digital workflows and various printing options to ensure you have a solid understanding of what you need to get started printing color digital signage. Using this model Catania will outline potential new applications and profit centers, and will show you how to take full advantage of current and future digital technologies. Equipment overviews and ink types, tips and tricks, caveats and pitfalls will also be discussed.

SEM 55
Garment Screen Printing (Part I) Equipment, Inks and Supplies: What You Must Know Before You Buy
Richard Greaves explains the equipment used during each step of a garment-screen-printing job so you can make the right decisions on equipment, inks and supplies. Learn details about individual pieces of equipment, how much capacity and floor space you need, and the range of choices you have for each piece of equipment. Be sure to catch Greaves' Part II (Wednesday at 5pm) and Part III (Thursday at 3pm) of this informative series.

3pm - 4:30pm (Wednesday)

SEM 56
Intro to CorelDRAW (Part II): Everyday Production Skills for Taking Your Art Production to the Next Level
Craig Mertens and Jay Busselle offer the necessary tools for imprinting professionals who are currently creating and editing electronic artwork in CorelDRAW, but are looking to further their knowledge and efficiency. Production and design techniques, along with industry specific tips and tricks to enhance workflow in CorelDRAW will be covered. If you have an interest in refining your knowledge as it pertains to these topics, this seminar is important to attend:

• Customizing the CorelDRAW workspace
• Creating custom text effects
• Font matching and typesetting
• Logo cleanup including raster-to-vector
• Preparing graphics for output
• Transferring files to outside suppliers
• Trouble-shooting common production issues

In addition, Craig and Jay will share their knowledge about designing, marketing and creating virtual samples using Adobe PDF technology. With industry specific, business ownership experience and graphic design backgrounds, these presenters provide a seminar that you don't want to miss. Don't miss Craig and Jay's Intro to CorelDRAW (Part I): The Essential Skill Set, on Wednesday at 11am

SEM 57
The ABC's of Vinyl Signage: Easy First Steps including Installation and Dismantle Challenges
Are you looking for effective vinyl application tips and techniques that will satisfy your clients, and ensure they return to you for future business? These efficient, timesaving installation methods are essential in the application game, and vital to the success of your business. Craig Campbell will walk you through the process, starting with how to choose the right vinyl, cleaning basics, substrate selection and ending with time- and money-saving installation tips. This multi-faceted seminar is a must for anyone intending to make a career in the commercial sign business.

SEM 58
Introduction to Sublimation: The Big Picture in Nine Essential Steps
Have you given serious consideration to expanding your business by adding dye sublimation? Have you recently purchased a sublimation system that continues to sit in its original box? Have your questions on processes, supplies, technology and application prevented you from getting started? Sublimation Specialists, Matt Woodhouse and Kevin Lumberg will overview this new technology and provide insights into nine fundamental areas essential to your success. You'll learn technical applications, equipment options, products you can easily make and sell, designing tips and tricks, selling tactics, profit margin management, and more. Matt and Kevin will give you the understanding of what your next step should be, how easy it can be to get started and the opportunities that are available by adding sublimation to your business.

5pm - 6:30pm (Wednesday)

SEM 59
Custom Heat Transfers (Part II): Profitable Markets for Printing on Fabrics, Ceramics, Metals and Plastics
Find potential markets and strategic applications within your heat transfer business and watch profits grow! Michael Kaminsky shows you custom heat transfer opportunities in your local markets from restaurants, schools, pet shops, churches and sporting events! Walk away with profitable tips and tricks to make your heat transfer equipment pay for itself! Be sure to attend Michael's first class, Custom Heat Transfers (Part I): Getting Started on Wednesday at 1pm.

SEM 60
Why You Should Invest in Digital: Trends & Expectations
Are you considering taking the plunge into the profitable world of digital printing but don't have a clear understanding of the current market? Have you recently purchased a wide-format inkjet printer but are unsure of what direction the market will take in the future? In this session, industry analyst Michael Flippin offers a comprehensive market overview that sheds some much needed light on recent market developments and possible future trends within the digital printing marketplace. Gaining a solid understanding of the market and the outlook for the future is vital to the success and viability of any shop. Take advantage of this important educational opportunity.

THURSDAY

9am - 10:30am

SEM 62
Focus in Business (Part I): Why Small Businesses Go Broke
Are you going the right direction? Steve Capper presents this thought-provoking class for business owners, and breaks down common mistakes, including lousy forecasting, lousy sales, lousy cost controls, lousy collections, lousy hiring, lousy employee training, lousy inventory management, and lousy relationship skills. Capper then presents practical tips to keep and continue improving your business energy levels. This class is designed to provide even the strongest businesses with techniques to increase efficiency.

SEM 63
WRAPS (Part I): An Introduction
Vehicle wraps are enjoying a surge in demand in the digital imaging world. You can take full advantage of this surge! Let Troy Downey equip you with helpful tips to build your profitable vehicle wrap business. Become acquainted with the materials, tools, challenges, and impressive range of vehicle wrap applications that can propel your business. Learn how to define your client's needs, how to ensure a profit on every sale and ensure success with your new vehicle wrap business. See these techniques in action! The Sign Business & Digital Graphics Show exhibitors will have live demonstrations of vehicle wraps throughout the show, Thursday - Saturday.

11am - 12:30pm (Thursday)

SEM 64
WRAPS (Part II): The Essentials in Software, Printing, Installation and Removal
Make sure your custom business can support your clients' needs! Wade Davis and Chris Burns have done hundreds of successful vehicle wraps and even use them to help market their own business. If you're looking for information on Photoshop, software templates and layout tips for vehicle graphics, this course is for you. Wade and Chris will also give step-by-step instructions and guidelines for printing, finishing and installation. Lastly, you'll take away important maintenance and warranty information, as well as the confidence to be able to remove vehicle wraps efficiently without damaging the vehicle. See these techniques in action! The Sign Business & Digital Graphics Show exhibitors will have live demonstrations of vehicle wraps throughout the show, Thursday - Saturday.

SEM 65
Intro to Embroidery (Part I) Equipment and Supplies: Before You Buy
If you're considering adding embroidery to your services, or if you're relatively new at it, you'll want to take the time to let Helen Hart Momsen explain the important basics. Momsen presents terminology in an easy-to-understand format and includes key tips on equipment, software and supplies, including advice on the tools and accessories with the largest returns on investment. She'll also give you the tough questions to ask your vendors that will translate into profits. Continue your embroidery education with Helen's second seminar: Intro to Embroidery (Part II) 10 Essential First Steps, Thursday, 3 p.m.

SEM 66
Special Effects Printing for High-Density, Discharge, Glitter, Foil, Mixed-Media and More!
Adding the hottest specialty inks to your current offerings will add sizzle to your sales! And they're easier to use than you might think. Lon Winters takes the perceived complexity out of special-effects printing and demonstrates how it can be used to increase your bottom line. Learn valuable techniques to add unique textures and dimension to your prints, and begin offering dynamic looks your customers won't find anywhere else.

1pm - 2:30pm (Thursday)

SEM 67
WRAPS (Part III): Up-close Installations - Professional Tricks of the Trade
In this session Wade Davis and Chris Burns provide you with a first-hand opportunity to see vehicle wrap equipment, supplies and advanced techniques being applied up-close and personal with thorough explanations of each step. Wade and Chris will install a partial wrap and share their understanding of the equipment, differences between films, how to laminate vehicle films, how to use premask, cut vinyl, and how to avoid common catastrophic mistakes. In addition, Wade and Chris will present an introduction to wrapping around compound curves, mirrors, bumpers and windows, how to deal with rubber, glass, indentations and pattern matching — and offer information on where to go for deeper instruction on these advanced techniques. Space is limited in this class! Be sure to arrive early! See these techniques in action! The Sign Business & Digital Graphics Show exhibitors will have live demonstrations of vehicle wraps throughout the show, Thursday – Saturday.

SEM 68
Custom Design Techniques for All Designers (Part I): Proven Design Principles that Make and Save you Money
Raymond Chapman applies more than 40 years of design experience to present an expanded review beyond the sign industry. Learn the important principles essential for all good design. Ray shares a visual study of effective layout, design, and type usage, and teaches practical, universal design rules, including basic layout principles using a visual design process rather than a mechanical method. After completing this seminar, take advantage of Part II of Raymond's series, Custom Design Techniques for All Designers (Part II): How to use Clip Art and Unique Fonts, Thursday at 5pm.

SEM 69
Focus on Business (Part II): Marketing - Get Big Results from a Small Budget
People buy from people who they like, trust and with whom it is convenient to do business. Let Vince DiCecco show you how with solid planning and good business sense, you can get your message, your image and your product in the hands and minds of your clientele. Becoming a "brand name" that's recognized throughout your marketplace is easier than you may think. In this thought-provoking session, you'll learn tips and techniques necessary to have your customers think of you first when they are shopping for the things you sell.

3pm - 4:30pm (Thursday)

SEM 70
WRAPS (Part IV): How to Price It, How to Sell It, How to Market It
By design, vehicle wraps are meant to be noticed. So shouldn't the same hold true for your wrap business? Join Troy Downey as he shows you how to effectively price, sell and market your wrap work to build a strong client base. As more and more companies add wraps to their service menus, it's crucial that you position your business to be as successful as possible. Through his own success and failures, Troy will show you how this unique offering can be a profitable addition if priced, sold and marketed appropriately to your current and potential customers. See these techniques in action! The Sign Business & Digital Graphics Show exhibitors will have live demonstrations of vehicle wraps throughout the show, Thursday - Saturday.

SEM 71
Garment Screen Printing (Part III): Screen Making - Costly Errors You May Not Know You're Making
In this information filled class Richard Greaves explains the 11 most common mysteries in screen making and how you can avoid these expensive errors. If you don't make a screen that is easy to print with, it will cost you in lost time and frustration. Screens are the critical tool to controlling ink deposit and the edge quality of a print. Richard will show you that the judgment required in every step is easy to learn. Be sure to catch Greaves' first two seminars in this series on Wednesday at 1pm and 5pm.

SEM 72
Intro to Embroidery (Part II) 10 Essential First Steps
Get the information you need to start your embroidery business, and your new machine, off on the right track. Let Helen Hart Momsen give you valuable guidance about hooping, needles, backing, placement and designs, as well as information on professional and practical embroidery supplies. Momsen will also include the tips and tricks you should know for successful commercial embroidery. Understanding the essential basics of the embroidery process will help you produce a professional service where you'll see profits immediately. Be sure to attend Helen's Intro to Embroidery (Part I) Equipment and Supplies: Before You Buy seminar, Thursday, 11am.

5pm - 6:30pm (Thursday)

SEM 73
Is Digital Direct-to-Garment Right for You? Find Out Here
If you are considering adding direct-to-garment technology to your current offerings or are just starting out, this class is for you. Lon Winters will take a detailed look at the cost of capital investment including supplies and equipment, pros and cons of this new technology, strong market opportunities, quality, productivity and more. This course is designed to educate you on the real information needed to make the decision to go digital.

SEM 74
Custom Design Techniques for All Designers (Part II): How to use Clip Art and Unique Fonts
This seminar provides vital guidelines for using clip art and unique fonts within your own designs. Raymond Chapman takes you through practical examples of these important tools and shows that when used appropriately, clip art and specialty fonts enhance a successful layout. Design unique corporate and school logos that impress even your toughest customers. You will also receive valuable sources to obtain quality clip art and distinctive fonts, and will be shown techniques on how to change, combine, separate, manipulate, and create new pieces of artwork from what you may already have on your hard drive.  If your designs are cluttered with ill-fitting fonts or poor clip art, let Raymond help you create and arrange a more pleasing, and higher-valued custom design. Don't miss Raymond's first seminar of this series, Custom Design Techniques for All Designers (Part I): Proven Design Principles that Make and Save you Money on Thursday at 1pm.

SEM 75
Sublimation: Case Studies In Profit Growth: Increase Revenues By 20% This Year
If you have added sublimation to your current business, or are seriously considering expanding, you will appreciate learning about the successful sales and profit strategies of successful sublimation retailers. Jim and Matt Woodhouse will present several real business examples that have turned small investments into big returns. These profiles of winning retailers and their creative strategies will provide you with new ideas to increase profit, find untapped revenue streams, and use the tools in your current business to efficiently boost your bottom line.

FRIDAY

9am - 10:30am

SEM 76
Focus on Business (Part III): Sales - No Sell, No Eat! How to Quit Making Excuses and Start Closing Deals
This fast-paced, idea-filled seminar is a must for all business owners and sales people. Let Steve Capper give you practical and usable examples that successful business owners have implemented effectively. Steve leads a spirited 90-minute session sharing from his rich list of personal experiences, including proven techniques and basic concepts that you and your sales team can put to work immediately. Steve will give you down-to-earth tools to help you sell your custom work. 

11am - 12:30pm (Friday)

SEM 77
For All Screenprinters: 10 Critical Screen Printing Tips Worth More Than $150 Each
Why repeat expensive mistakes? Richard Greaves condenses valuable, usable and time-tested lessons from hundreds of other screen shops, and incorporates his more than 20 years of teaching for you. If you are already a screen printer, or if you have an interest in screen printing, this one class may pay for your whole trip.

SEM 78
15 Tips That Will Save You from Disaster in Digital Printing including Color Management
Before you jump into the large-format arena, or if you are already printing but feel you need to know more (and want to optimize your return on investment), join Ferando Catania for this powerful introductory session. Fernando covers the important steps of wide-format printing, including inks, equipment, media, substrates, labor costs, input, output, potential problems and practical solutions. Fernando will also show you how to produce the best possible color, matching what you see on the screen to the output on your printing device. Learn about vector vs. pixel data for color management, rules for managing customers' files, and how to pick and print the right materials. Don't worry, good color management doesn't cost thousands of dollars.

SEM 79
Commercial Sign Shop Excellence: Don't Call 9-1-1 on Your Business
Rick Williams uses his 34-years of experience to help commercial sign business owners recognize and address the "Life and Death" challenges, pitfalls and critical problems of running a small- to medium-sized sign business.  Subjects will include maximizing productivity and profitability, minimizing mistakes, improving customer relations, employee motivation, shop safety, dealing with subcontractors, and other subjects that are absolutely critical to operating a successful commercial sign business.  This seminar is ideal for owners, managers and valuable staff members as well.

1pm - 2:30pm (Friday)

SEM 80
Focus on Business (Part IV): How to Use Forms for Efficient Workflow and How to Lay Out Your Facility
Steve Capper shares proven ideas for any sign shop, apparel decorator, or awards and custom gift business, including time management, space management, repeat business, shortcuts, and overall organization. Steve places emphasis on the importance of organization with the use of forms and their appropriate place in prospecting, sales, order processing and employee guidelines. Learn how to get compensated in 30 days, but give your clients over 50 days to pay. Learn how to double your sales without adding sales people. Learn how to route orders smoothly in your operation with proven procedures and effective store layout. Learn how to evaluate your employees and your business effectively.  Learn to turn your inventory twice as many times as you do now. Let Steve show you that when you learn to streamline your operation, you have less stress, more efficiency, and more profit.

SEM 81
10 Ways to Make Money with Specialty and Metallized Films from POP to Vehicle Graphics
This class is designed to show all levels of sign makers how specialty and metallized films can be a good fit and an easy addition to a sign shop's offerings and can significantly increase profits.  Butch "Super Frog" Anton will demonstrate how specialty films-either plotter cut or digitally printed-are used on signage ranging from POP displays to vehicle graphics. Learn the differences between the various films and how they are applied. Also included-attendees will produce an actual project panel for shop display.

3pm - 4:30pm (Friday)

SEM 83
Focus on Business (Part V): Price for Profit, Not for Your Competition and How to Understand the Difference
Are you competitively pricing your products and services to capture your fair share of business? Are you covering your operating and overhead costs and reaping the necessary profits to keep your company growing and healthy? In this fast-paced session, Vince DiCecco reveals how to develop a "winning" pricing strategy that's tailor-made for your customer-minded business and what you can do to protect your selling price and the profitability of your goods and services against competitors who simply undercut your price and customers who beat you up over a few bucks. Also, we'll explore the four most commonly used methods for setting price and why each one of them alone is not enough to sustain your business.

SEM 84
Large Format Digital Graphics: Finishing Ahead - Digital Die Cutting, Laminating, Installing and Shipping that Pays
Don't throw away profits with poor efficiencies. Tom Snooks will show you how to choose the right laminator, laminates, adhesives and mounting boards; and, using different substrates, teaches lamination techniques for various applications including fleet graphics, floor graphics, wall murals, banners and perforated window graphics.

SEM 85
Proper Digitizing for High-Quality Embroidery: An Introduction
Embroidery digitizing seems a mystery to many who wish to learn it, yet it's simple enough to demystify. Let Helen Hart Momsen teach you the building blocks of digitizing in this class especially designed for beginners. Explanations of terms and stitch types will get you ready for a more advanced practical demonstration in The Embroidery Workshop (Saturday, 9am). Helen will also discuss how to choose and communicate with a digitizer if you decide to outsource this service. If you are trying to decide whether to add digitizing to your current business offering, this class will answer your questions.

SATURDAY

9am - 2pm

WRK 90
The Embroidery Workshop
Are you looking for valuable information about the dynamic and profitable world of commercial embroidery? In this informative one-day workshop, Helen Hart Momsen takes you through the more advanced techniques of embroidery and expands on the endless embroidery possibilities in the decorated-apparel industry. Momsen takes a focused look at the difficulties embroidery specialists face and how their businesses can develop from merely surviving to surpassing competition. If you're looking for solid, trustworthy industry information, let Momsen give you the details on...

• Hooping and how to make sure you're doing it correctly
• More details on backing types and how to choose them
• Proper placement of your designs
  
• A practical discussion of digitizing and when and how to use those bells and whistles
• Creating quality details, lettering, fonts and monograms
• Wise color management when working with a fixed color palette
• Self-motivation for the self-employed with an emphasis on specific tactics for promoting embroidery
• Discussion of mistakes to avoid, lessons learned

As the author of two ground-breaking hard-cover books on professional embroidery -the business and the stitching- and embroidery, and with over a quarter century of stitching experience,Helen Hart Momsen brings enthusiasm for and appreciation of the art of embroidery to all her classes, culminating in this informational workshop. Bring your questions and your experience and help make this workshop a stimulating experience for all custom embroiderers!

9am - 2pm (Saturday)

WRK 91
The Sublimation Workshop: Project Sublimation: Positioning for Productivity & Profitability
Presented in Coordination with The Sublimation Network

Dye Sublimation is a versatile and profitable, full-color, photo-quality digital decoration technology used to produce a variety of products geared toward numerous market segments including awards, signage, apparel, promotions, gifts and more. Led by Project Sublimation Program Manager John Barker, and joined by Jim Woodhouse of The Sublimation Network, this hands-on, five-hour workshop will address more advanced topics including the following:

• How to Target Volume Business
• Achieving Efficiency of Scale
• Producing Big Volume Orders
• Using Software Templates and Quality Graphics to Produce Better Products
• Easy Techniques for Spot Color Output

Included in the workshop is a "Hands-On" experience where you can press your own certification plaque at the end of class.

For business owners who have taken the introductory courses or are interested in ramping up sublimation sales, this advanced offering is designed to showcase the ease and profitability found in taking your business to that next level!  Don't be daunted by a big order - go after them!  Don't be overwhelmed when it comes to hitting logo colors - hit them!  Learn how to more efficiently print and press volume orders, use available tools for quick, professional designs, and get better image and color output in the process.  For the third year in a row, The Sublimation Network and Project Sublimation have partnered together to provide you with real world tips, tricks and practical instruction for increasing your profits through dye sublimation.