DPGshow 2005 Report
(Digital Printing and Graphic Design Show)

Under the slogan, “Experience the diverse digital printing world!” DPGshow 2005 (Digital Printing and Graphic Design Show) was held from the 23rd to the 26th of June 2005 at the Atlantic Hall of COEX in Seoul. The show presented new trends on digital printing technology and in the industry as a whole, introducing a variety of digital printing-related markets.

Conveying the Diversity of the Digital Printing Markets
Based on the success of the 2004 show, which promoted the understanding of digital printing processes, DPGshow 2005 was highly appreciated for conveying the diversity of the markets. In other words, the show demonstrated that the digital printing industry enjoyed the greatest growth potential compared to other industries, with unlimited applications in outdoor advertising, interior design, events promotion, textile printing, digital photography and digital printing, etc. A total of 61 companies, occupying 277 booths, participated in the show. In four days, a total of 12,596 visitors went to see the show. According to visitors, the 2005 show was successful due to three special events that featured niche markets in a variety of digital printing markets, including the DTP (Digital Textile Printing) solution showcase, the Digital Photography and Equipment pavilion, and the Graphic Artwork display. They were golden opportunities in providing multifarious items from digital printing technology.

Groping for Breakthroughs
The 2nd DPGshow 2005 was revolutionary because it raised real consumption power despite constant economic stagnation. Some exhibitors tried to grope for breakthroughs by releasing new products, and slashing their prices. An exhibitor noted that lower prices, compensation marketing, and exceptional promotions to boost consumption were key to the show’s success. Each exhibitor attempted to introduce new products, and hosted events in DPGshow 2005. The show was the right venue to actively promote products for newly established companies, and to strengthen the marketing activities of existing companies. In DPGshow 2005, most companies first displayed and then released their new products, which they introduced in the first half of 2005. A UV-curable printer manufacturer successfully entered into a contract to sell printers worth US$100,000. Digital printing-related items, which helped print graphics with fluorescent inks, also contributed to the success of the show. In addition, wide-format digital printers, which provide both printing and cutting functions, were displayed in the show, as well as thermal-sublimation textile printers and small UV flatbed printers. Digital printing-related companies, such as those involved in making inks and media and banner stands, also attended the show to make more inroads into the market.

Three Special Events
Along with the sign industry, the screen-printing industry has been widely adopting digital printing technology. Many member-companies of the Screen Printing Association of Korea took part in the show, and a great number of visitors from SPAK attended as well. A small UV flatbed printer manufacturer said that even though this type of printer was first introduced in the Korean market almost two years ago, many people were not familiar with such printers yet, but, fortunately, DPGshow 2005 helped promote small flatbed printers. Several digital printing-related colleges also promoted its curriculum to visitors. Kimpo College displayed “Hanbok,” a traditional costume with colorful, printed graphics. A great number of people working in wide-format digital printing, digital photography, textile printing, and from the screen-printing industry graced DPGshow 2005. DPGshow 2005 demonstrated that there were niche markets under the extensive markets of digital printing for both visitors and exhibitors. To achieve this year's goal, three special events relating to digital printing technology were featured. With regard to DTP (Digital Textile Printing) technology, the DTP solution showcase was designed to help those who are interested in the DTP business to experience a variety of digital textile printing technology applications. For the event, everyday items, including shoes, handbags, wallets, and sofas made from textile printing technology, were displayed to increase the visitors’ understanding of digital printing technology. A graphic artwork display consisted of a variety of products from digital printing technology. It included keyboards, key holders, tiles, and interior decorative pieces with printed graphic designs. Digital photography printer-related companies, which have been recently increasing their market shares in the photography market, were part of the Digital Printing and Equipment pavilion.