PRINT 18 to feature more than 70 “RED HOT Technologies”

PRINT 18’s inaugural RED HOT Technology Recognition program will be identifying the newest innovative products and solutions at the event. 76 recognitions have been meted out this year.

A complete list of the companies and products recognised can be found at www.printredhots.com.

At PRINT 18, each designee will have a distinctive “RED HOT Technology” sign displayed at their booth for easy identification and will be listed in the onsite event guide directory.

The 76 products and solutions receiving RED HOT Technology recognition come from 45 exhibitors and were made in 11 categories:

• Workflow Automation Systems: 19

• Sales & Management Systems: 10

• Marketing and Multi-channel Solutions: 10

• Color Management, Prepress & Pre-media: 8

• Specialty Printing Post-Press & Finishing: 8

• Digital Presses: 7

• Wide-Format Digital Presses: 6

• Imprinting, Mailing, Shipping & Fulfillment: 3

• Consumables and Substrates: 2

• Hybrid Print Technologies: 2

• Press Equipment: 1

“The most prominent themes that emerged when reviewing the submissions were around integration and collaboration,” said Julie Shaffer, Association for Print Technologies (APTechSM) associate vice president, program and community development, who led development of the RED HOT Technology Recognition Program.

“We saw integrations between many products—MIS, mailing, production workflow, colour control, web storefronts, design, planning and fulfillment—that greatly extend the functionality and value of each product. It’s really encouraging to see so many manufacturers working together for the good of the industry.”

All RED HOT Technology designees are eligible to receive the new RED HOT Vanguard Awards, recognising “products that can be considered ‘game-changers’ that help advance the industry as a whole,” Shaffer said.

They will be announced at PRINT 18 and are judged by a panel of industry experts and practitioners for awarding in three categories:

• Breakthrough—recognising products that help advance an existing technology or process and open new business opportunities

• Pioneer—recognising products that are the first of their kind or entirely new to the graphic communication industry

• Collaborative—recognising products developed by more than one company working collaboratively

PRINT 18 will be taking place on 30 September to 2 October 2018 at McCormick Place in Chicago.