The Vikas Yatra series of roadshows organised by Aditya Expositions, organisers of Screen Print India Exhibition 2014 – Goa, was a print yatra in its true sense. The Grafica team accompanied at the roadshow to absorb the feeling of printers in towns and cities across India.

We have recently returned from yet another series of roadshows (SPI’14 Vikas Yatras) covering exactly, one dozen events in south Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka.

Karad, Kokapur, Pandharpur, Sangli and Solapur - 11 to 15 June 2014

Chennai, Sivakasi, Madurai and Tirupur - 30 June to 3 July 2014

Bengaluru, Hubli and Belgaum - 4 to 7 July 2014

Each of the above roadshows attracted around 50 to 100 plus printers (offset, screen, digital, textile printers). They got the glimpses of advanced screen printing via video presentation. Besides, Grafica had displayed a huge collection of screen printed samples sourced from top printers in industrial, graphics and textile sectors. Moreover, suppliers such as Skyscreen, Colors, had also showcased their products in some of the roadshows. Epson’s direct to garment printing digital press was a huge hit with printers gathering around the machine during live demo.

Select premium quality screen printed jobs (commercial, graphics, industrial and textile), sourced from various top screen printers from India, USA, Europe, were on display at all these roadshows.

One thing that is evident from these shows and the DMI workshops that we conduct, is that printers are are keen to learn and see new technologies. Roadshows such as these are the appetizers for the forthcoming Screen Print India expo in Goa.

Screen Print India 2014, is the twelfth exhibition in the series. While the new technology will be on display at the show, I feel it is a good opportunity to meet industry experts, interact with suppliers and to know about latest developments and new products.

At the Hubli roadshow, Girish Joshi, president of the Hubli Print Cluster said, "This is the first time that the Screen Print India exhibition is being held within the close reach of North Karnataka. The idea is to get connected to the industry circle, upgrade knowledge and see new technologies in screen printing,” said Girish Joshi.

According to him, there are about 2000 to 2500 printers within the area of about 200-250 km.

Please mark your dates. Screen Print India 2014 is scheduled for 18-21 September 2014 at the International Centre Goa, Dr E Borges Road, Dona Paula, Goa.

Shripad Bhat is the editor of Grafica News India.