Heatset Joins With SWUG Conference

Heatset Joins With SWUG Conference

New Zealand’s SWUG—representing the newspaper sector of the printing industry—is embracing the heatset sector of the industry for the first time at this year’s Christchurch conference.

The 12th Annual Single Width Users’ Group Conference will be held from August 15-16 at the Chateau on the Park conference and hotel complex adjoining Hagley Park.

The theme for this year's conference is “Print …4 Tomorrow”, underlining there is plenty of life left in this industry.

Expectations are of 120 delegates and suppliers attending the conference, with two days of in-depth presentations on relevant print topics, with site visits to the Fairfax Christchurch plant and the Guardian Print press complex.

SWUG chairman Dan Blackbourn said that the inclusion of the heatset fraternity was a major step forward.

“The intention is for the conference to meets everyone's need in our sector of the printing industry, so it is very good news to see both PMP and Webstar committing to the conference. Craig Amos from PMP has also joined the SWUG committee this year and will bring his heatset experience to the table as we look to expand the conference coverage.”

Another development is the confirmation of a major keynote speaker from Europe.

Dr. Michael Zenke, Product Director of Heatset and Publication Inks Europe for Sun Chemical, will discuss the European heatset/coldset market and what is happening over there.

Dr Zenke has a PhD in Chemistry and Physics from Goethe University in Frankfurt and has risen from being a senior chemist specialising in inks, through to Technical Director Heatset Global and now his current position.

Dan Blackbourn said that the overall arrangements for the SWUG conference were well under way.

“We have six Gold sponsors already confirmed — Goss International, DIC New Zealand, Norske Skog Tasman, Fujifilm NZ Ltd, DS Chemport Australia and Bottcher Australia have already signed up.

“Some more good news (if there wasn't enough already) is that prices have been held and are the same as they were in 2011.”

Mr Blackbourn said the conference will give an opportunity to hear from manufacturers and suppliers, plus networking opportunities to mix with fellow printers and others involved in the print industry and learn from their experiences and knowledge. Plus, it is a forum to debate industry issues, problems and opportunities.

The conference programme will also include social activities and a formal dinner featuring the SWUG Apprentice of the Year Award and other industry presentations.

ENDS

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