June 2005

The 2005 GASC/PIA/GATF Teacher's Conference will provide an opportunity for graphic communications teachers to learn about current industry trends and see the latest equipment and supplies. This three-day program will be held on September 9 - 11, 2005, at McCormick Place during PRINT^® 05 and CONVERTING^sm 05 in Chicago, Illinois.

The program is available to full-time graphic communications educators from high schools, technical schools, colleges, and universities. Applicants will be selected by drawing, with consideration given to those who have not previously attended this program. Educators who have not received GASC/PIA/GATF funding in the past will be given first preference. For an application form and additional information, download the PDF conference brochure available at http://www.gain.net/associant_config/conference/files/TeachersBrochure.pdf.

Applications must be received by fax or mail no later than July 11, 2005, to qualify. Selected applicants will be notified no later than July 15 and must confirm their attendance by August 5, 2005.

Registration is free. Those accepted to receive funding for the conference must pay a $25 confirmation and processing fee. Educators not receiving funding may attend the conference at their own expense through arrangement with PIA/GATF. All educator attendees (funded as well as not funded) also receive free admittance to the PRINT^® 05 and CONVERTING^sm 05 trade show.

This year is particularly exciting because it is a PRINT^® year. Due to its mammoth size and international presence, PRINT^® occurs only every four years and will take the place of GRAPH EXPO^® and CONVERTING EXPO^® in 2005. The show will encompass over 750,000 square feet and play host to a projected 80,000 professionals from around the globe.

In addition to exploring the show exhibits, conference attendees will hear presentations by prominent industry consultants and company executives on new technologies and production trends, as well as best practice presentations from peers on industry changes. The conference also provides opportunities for roundtable discussion of issues in graphic communications education at all grade levels, and update information on resources offered by education-related groups such as the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF).

For further information about the conference and the application process, contact Christy Semple by email at csemple@piagatf.org or toll-free by phone at (800) 910-4283 ext. 715.