Attendee registration for the free online virtual preview of Graph Expo 2010 is now open. “Graph Expo 2010: A Virtual Preview," scheduled for August 19, will offer a sneak peek at all the show in October will have to offer. Register at: www.graphexpo.com/virtualpreview.

Sponsored by AMERICAN PRINTER magazine, the Virtual Preview will feature an interactive tour of the new equipment and products to be found at the show in October, as well as opportunities to network live with industry experts and peers from across the Americas.

"We are always looking for ways to increase the value and benefit for GRAPH EXPO attendees," explains Ralph Nappi, president of the Graphic Arts Show Co. (GASC). "As the technology now allows, we think a ‘virtual’ look at the show prior to Chicago will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to explore the latest new products and technologies, collect some information ahead of time and make plans for how they will work the physical show, even make booth appointments, so they will be well-prepared when GRAPH EXPO comes around in October."

On the day of the Virtual Preview, August 19, registrants will visit a designated URL through their Web browser that will launch a page that "mirrors" the lobby of the physical show where a video on the Jumbotron screen will welcome and explain how visitors can access the different areas of the online event, including the virtual Exhibit Hall; the virtual Auditorium, featuring a multitude of educational sessions; and the virtual Networking Lounge with scheduled featured topic discussions in five live chat rooms.

In addition to the virtual vendor booths and a full listing of the exhibitors expected at GRAPH EXPO, the Virtual Preview will include educational webinar sessions covering topics of interest to 11 key industry segments within the full spectrum of graphic communications professionals from commercial and quick printers to book publishers, packaging printers and converters, mailing and fulfillment professionals, newspaper printers and publishers, creative service professionals and others.

Visitors will have the option of participating in the online event in English or Spanish.

The event also includes a preview of the Executive Outlook conference, which will be held Oct. 2, including “Must See ‘Ems” and “Positively Print” candidates.

A special webcast will help visitors plan for the show in Chicago, including a tutorial on how to Map Your Show using the online pre-show planner tool to find unique applications, discover best industry practices, and participate in social networking to maximum advantage before, during and after the show.

All content from “Graph Expo 2010: A Virtual Preview,” including the educational presentations, will be archived and available until the start of the show, October 3 in Chicago. See www.graphexpo.com/virtualpreview.