SGIA Expo 2013 Update

This photo collage, put together by Keith Allison, comes close to portraying just how busy and energetic the SGIA Expo 2013 was for GroupeSTAHL.

This photo collage, put together by Keith Allison, comes close to portraying just how busy and energetic the SGIA Expo 2013 was for GroupeSTAHL.

The show’s not over yet, but from all accounts it looks to be one of the most successful ever in terms of registered visitors and attendees. It sure seemed like it from our booth. One reason for the show’s record-breaking numbers might be the fact that the SGIA Expo hasn’t taken place in Orlando since 2007. And according to SGIA management, 48% of the visitors were first time attendees! We are glad to report that many of the folks we spoke with were just getting started in custom garment decorating and it was our pleasure to educate everyone who stopped by. One of the busiest parts of the booth was the Bling Shop, where visitors could design and heat print a custom shirt. After choosing a transfer and using the Hotronix Air Fusion to apply the transfer, you could dress up the shirt with distressed twill lettering, GlitterFlake text or any number of fun graphics that we had on hand. On the other side of the booth, live workshops showed our guests how to print on performance wear, which transfer to use on any type of fabric, team jersey tips and more. There was a lot of educating going on. And since we announced on Tuesday that we are now partnering with Epson to sell their direct-to-garment printer, we were walking a lot of people over to the Epson booth to show them this sought-after technology. Luckily we were right across the aisle. On one end of the booth people could learn about Transfer Express custom transfers, on the other end, CAD-CUT and CAD-COLOR. Plus there was even an embroidery machine right in the booth where we were showing people how easy it is to create applique looks with GlitterFlake using our famous Rip Away technique. There was a lot going on, I’ll let these pictures tell the rest of the story. If you’re in the area, the show doesn’t close until Friday, so make an effort to stop in if you can.

Booth visitor Luis made a custom shirt at the Bling Shop.

Booth visitor Luis made a custom shirt at the Bling Shop.

Josh Ellsworth presents another how to heat print seminar, standing room only!

Josh Ellsworth presents another how to heat print seminar, standing room only!

Mark was demonstrating CAD-CUT and Rip Away Appiique non-stop.

Mark was demonstrating CAD-CUT and Rip Away Appiique non-stop.

The Hotronix Air Fusion was once again the star of the show and all floor models were spoken for.

The Hotronix Air Fusion was once again the star of the show and all floor models were spoken for.

Nancy shows a booth visitor CAD-Printz full color digital transfers.

Nancy shows a booth visitor CAD-Printz full color digital transfers.

Ariel from Stahls' International was super busy not only because of his heat printing expertise, but because he is able to communicate in Spanish.

Ariel from Stahls’ International was super busy not only because of his heat printing expertise, but because he is able to communicate in Spanish.

I had the opportunity to meet and chat with longtime customer Loring Strickland of Bartley's Sporting Goods of Ft. Meyer's. This family owned business has been open since 1910! We're going to try to find out if they're our longest perpetual customer.

I had the opportunity to meet and chat with longtime customer Loring Strickland of Bartley’s Sporting Goods of Ft. Meyer’s. This family owned business has been open since 1910! We’re going to try to find out if they’re our longest perpetual customer.

It's hard to tell from this picture, but our booth was crowded from 10am-5pm every day.

It’s hard to tell from this picture, but our booth was crowded from 10am-5pm every day.

Ben Robinson of Hotronix helps a visitor heat print a custom cap.

Ben Robinson of Hotronix helps a visitor heat print a custom cap.

A booth visitor attends our transfer application workshop and applies a Goof Proof transfer for the first time.

A booth visitor attends our transfer application workshop and applies a Goof Proof transfer for the first time.

The Great Dane Graphics booth was also near by and busy throughout the show.

The Great Dane Graphics booth was also near by and busy throughout the show.

Courtney holds a roll of CAD-CUT GlitterFlake, which is one of our most popular materials these days.

Courtney holds a roll of CAD-CUT GlitterFlake, which is one of our most popular materials these days.

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Deborah Sexton stopped by to find out what's new.

Deborah Sexton stopped by to find out what’s new.

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This was Mary Stahl's first time attending an industry trade show in about 30 years! Ted and Mary used to work many shows together in earlier years.

This was Mary Stahl’s first time attending an industry trade show in about 30 years! Ted and Mary used to work many shows together in earlier years.

Mary Stahl lead the "get ready" cheer for all GroupeSTAHL team members on the opening day of the SGIA Expo in Orlando.

Mary Stahl lead the “get ready” cheer for all GroupeSTAHL team members on the opening day of the SGIA Expo in Orlando.

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