Morten B. Reitoft · Editor-in-Chief · INKISH · Review PRINTING United

Editor Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH reflected on his two-week US trip, focusing on his experiences at Print United. He expressed gratitude for his small company’s recognition in the US market and emphasized the importance of feedback from readers and viewers. Reitoft praised the efforts of the Print United team, particularly Mark Subers and Amanda Kliegl, for continually seeking improvements and introducing new initiatives.

He highlighted the Media Day event, allowing media representatives to engage with vendors and learn about new technologies through speed dating sessions, workshops, and Q&A opportunities. Reitoft noted that such events help media focus on important updates, making it easier to communicate valuable information to their audiences. He anticipated that detailed content resulting from Media Day would be shared in the coming weeks and months.

Reitoft also discussed the Knowledge Center, a conglomerate of small booths at the entrance where media and industry specialists could educate attendees. While he commended the concept and execution, he suggested that allocating more resources and ensuring consistent presence at the booths would enhance their effectiveness. He stressed the importance of recording and broadcasting educational sessions to reach a broader audience, even if live attendance is limited.

However, Reitoft raised concerns about the poor internet service at the Las Vegas Convention Center, describing it as a significant hindrance for media outlets that rely on high-speed connectivity to deliver content. He found it unacceptable that attendees were offered limited internet speeds at high costs, emphasizing that reliable internet is essential for modern trade shows.

He also mentioned the separation of the South and Central Halls due to reconstruction, which made the event feel like two distinct shows and disrupted the seamless experience envisioned by the “under one roof” slogan. Morten B. Reitoft admitted that he discovered the second hall only on the second day, suggesting that the layout was not intuitive.

Addressing his discomfort with certain aspects of Las Vegas, Reitoft recounted an evening event at The Palm where he observed a noticeable presence of prostitutes. He found this contradictory to industry initiatives promoting respect and opportunities for women, such as the Women for Print Alliance. Reitoft expressed concern over the exploitation inherent in such scenarios and the negative reflection it casts on the event environment.

He observed that while the South Hall, featuring large format and apparel exhibits, was busy and crowded, the Central Hall experienced lower attendance, especially afternoon on the third day. Reitoft underscored the necessity of industry support for trade shows to ensure their continued existence and the benefits they provide in networking and showcasing new equipment.

In conclusion, Morten Reitoft deemed the show valuable despite the issues highlighted. He hopes future events will address these concerns, particularly regarding internet connectivity and venue layout. He reaffirmed the importance of trade shows for learning and industry advancement, encouraging stakeholders to consider these factors for future participation.

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