PRINT 13, together with first time co-located CPP EXPO, wrapped up its run at McCormick Place in Chicago on September 12, 2013 with a feeling of optimism for the future.

"Two common themes seemed to be repeated by attendees and exhibitors alike at the show this year," said Ralph Nappi, president of the Graphic Arts Show Company. "First, a sense of optimism existed that has not been evidenced in our industry for a few years; the second was the surprising number of deals that were inked at the show."

The energy and enthusiasm began to emerge at the pre-show EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK Conference held on Saturday, September 7, 2013. With the focus on "Driving Profits through Innovation, Integration and Communication," this year's program was the highest attended since 2005.  Attendee comments included: "Well worth the extra day! Great start to the conference", and "Will be back in 2014 with more of my executive team."

When PRINT 13 and CPP EXPO kicked off officially on Sunday, exhibitors welcomed enthusiastic attendees to the show floor. By the time the final closing announcement had been made, vendors had been able to spend five days interacting with attendees from all segments of the graphic communications industry. Among their comments were:

"The quality leads we obtained at PRINT 13 exceeded our expectations."- Marc Olin, EFI

"PRINT 13 was a tremendous success for Konica Minolta.  We felt that we not only met but exceeded our expectations and are very pleased with the final outcome." - Dino Pagliarello, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.

"PRINT 13 was our best sales experience in a very long time.  Our International attendance was very strong." - Richard F. Trapilo, C.P. Bourg Inc.

"PRINT 13 was the best show for us since 2007. Our written business this year doubled from last year's GRAPH EXPO and the quality of visitors was way up. We were overwhelmed on Sunday when the doors opened." - Si Nguyen, Duplo USA Corporation

"PRINT 13 was the best of the PRINT and GRAPH EXPO shows over the last 9 years for us." - Francis McMahon, Canon Solutions America

"The show was fantastic! I'm thankful for having 5 days.  Our location was great - just the right spot within the Mailing and Fulfillment Center." - Tim Murphy, Printware

"Overall the show has been excellent. Customers have been well-qualified. We have also seen a lot of traffic from Latin America." - Ela Bukshapan, Scodix

"KBA is extremely pleased with its investment in PRINT 13. The quality of the attendees and the attendance by senior management of major printing and packaging firms allowed us to generate healthy business and have meaningful dialogues." - Eric Frank, KBA North America

"This year we saw not only a higher volume of prospects, but also much more informed ones too. We exceeded any previous print show in terms of both the number of qualified prospects, as well as on-site sales. There was a tremendous buzz around the booth." - Corry Casler, PressWise

"This might turn out to be the best show ever." - Hans Ulland, Air Motion Systems, Inc./AMS UV

"This year we've seen lots of decision makers and also gotten a surprising number of leads.  Sunday was our busiest day. We're already signed up for GRAPH EXPO 14." - Craig Wendling, Nitta Corporation of America

"This has been an excellent show, I'd say a 60% increase in booth traffic over the past-and the level of contacts is way better, mostly decision makers." - Chris Calomino, ACTEGA Kelstar