SWUG Attendance Records Threatened

SWUG media release (July 31, 2014)

SWUG Attendance Records Threatened

A potentially record-breaking Single Width Users’ Group (SWUG) conference is in the offing this year, with 110 delegates and sponsors now registered almost four weeks out from the two-day Dunedin event.

Being hosted at the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross in the main city of Otago on August 27-28, the 14th annual conference of the web offset sector of the printing industry promises to be spectacular, says SWUG chairman Danny Blackbourn.

“We have delegates and sponsors arriving from all over the world to participate in this conference,” says Mr Blackbourn.

“With the numbers confirmed to date and expectation of strong registrations over the coming weeks, we have the makings of breaking all past records for attendance. That will be a fantastic effort considering the travel and I can assure attendees this conference will be as good if not better than all past events.

“The conference programme has now been finalised and this can be viewed at www.swug.co.nz. We have some great speakers and presentations planned, and the entertainment over the two nights will most certainly impress.”

Led by presentations from adventurer, inventor and motivator Steve Gurney and Allied Press chairman and managing director Sir Julian Smith, the conference programme also features a wide range of presentations from renowned local and international industry experts.

These will cover such topics as future-proofing paper production, changes to print training, a press plant upgrade, the impact of rollers and maintenance, thermal plate technology, ink developments, Pride In Print news, developments with two press manufacturers, changes to OHS legislation, press chemistry information as well as an insight to oils and additives.

In addition to the presentation of the annual SWUG Quality Awards and SWUG Apprentice of the Year Award, this year’s event will feature a site visit to the Otago Daily Times’ headquarters. The conference programme also includes social activities.

“The intention is for the conference to meet everyone's need in our sector of the printing industry. Delegates 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.

“Additionally, it is a forum to debate industry issues, problems and opportunities.”

Mr Blackbourn also paid strong tribute to the conference sponsors -- “without whose support this event would not happen”.

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