Both organizations are committed to serving the graphic arts community with the very best in research, education, training, events, legislative support, and other key member services. SGIA primarily serves the graphics, industrial and apparel decoration segments; and PIA primarily serves the commercial printing segment. As convergence continues in our industry, this newly-formed entity is the logical progression and now becomes the largest member-based printing and graphic arts association in the United States.

SGIA
The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA), a non-profit association located in Fairfax VA, is the trade association for professionals in the industrial, graphic, garment, textile, printed electronics, packaging, and commercial printing communities looking to grow their business into new market segments through the incorporation of the latest printing technologies.

Founded in 1948 as the Screen Printing Association (and renamed in 2003 the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association, exemplifying its growth into other market segments), SGIA is a mission-driven organization whose membership encompasses these diverse segments, all of which are moving rapidly towards digital adoption. As long-time champions of digital technologies and techniques, SGIA helps members worldwide navigate the challenges of this process.

SGIA acquired NAPCO Media in August 2019, which acts as an independent media arm of the organization. Together, the two developed and produced the PRINTING United expo, the largest, most comprehensive printing trade show in North America, and the three most important days in printing; now in its second year at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta on October 21-23, 2020. PRINTING United serves as the venue where convergence takes place between all market verticals under one roof, exposing companies to new business opportunities all in one easily accessible location.

NAPCO Media
NAPCO Media, owned by SGIA, is the leading business-to-business media company serving the printing & packaging, publishing, marketing, retail & non-profit, and promotional products market segments. NAPCO's mission is to build community between its audience and clients through integrated media programs, research, video services, events, marketing services and e-learning.

Printing Industries of America
Founded in 1887, Printing Industries of America (PIA) is comprised of local and national affiliated associations. PIA delivers its widespread graphic arts membership base with services and products that enhance the knowledge, growth, and profitability of members through advocacy, research, education, and networking.

Borne of the consolidation of PIA and GATF, PIA has served members and the printing industry with in-depth, quality research, reports, products, services, and more. The organization also provides direct advocacy before Congress and the Administration on key industry legislative initiatives and strategic direction for grassroots and external outreach activities.

The new combined combined organization's name is PRINTING United Alliance.

Ford Bowers will continue as the President and CEO of the combined organization.

Michael Makin will assume the role of an Executive Vice President.

The SGIA Board of Directors and PIA Board of Directors have come together as one. Click here for the 2020 Board Listing.

No services will be discontinued at this time. Some services may be streamlined in the future to avoid redundancy.

SGIA offices remain in Fairfax, VA; NAPCO Media offices remain in Philadelphia, PA; and former PIA staff will remain in Warrendale, PA.

As we meld services and programs from each organization, we will have a clearer structure of Awards programs and offerings moving forward as one entity. For this year, and due primarily to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Premier Print Awards and the Golden Image Awards programs have been suspended.

Not at this time.

Essentially all printer member services and offerings will roll together into the new organization and be finalized as we work through details. Access, discounts, and other perquisites will be related to the type of membership held by an individual or company.

In the short term, membership will remain unchanged as we work diligently to meld the programs and services from both organizations, which will take time. We will be in constant communication with updates and timeline as it becomes available.

All account credentials and details will remain unchanged in the short term. We will communicate any changes as relevant moving forward.

A sales representative will be reaching out to you to discuss updated terms and processes moving forward.

Eventually, yes, there will be a streamlined offering.

Unless someone reaches out directly otherwise, your company contact will remain the same.

As of now, all events will remain as they stand. Updates on future events will be communicated.