ACUP's Comeback Conference a Hit

The enthusiasm at the recent Association of College and University Printers (ACUP) conference was higher than ever, as the group convened for the first time in two years. The cancellation of last year's conference was all but forgotten by the 45 in-plant managers who gathered in sunny Charlotte, N.C., for more than three days of fellowship and education. The smaller size of the group made it easy to meet all of the attendees and find out about their operations.

Attendees this year hailed from as far away as Australia, New Zealand and Scotland, and included managers from all over the U.S., from Oregon to New Hampshire, with a large contingent from Texas. Host Richard Griffin, director of Campus Printing at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), put together an excellent program. It started with a poolside reception on Sunday evening, which also drew several retired and current managers from the area who were not able to attend the full event.

Though sessions covered topics like "Using Social Media to Grow Your Business" and "E-mail vs. Print Communication," it was the peer evaluation workshop that drew the most group discussion. Managers shared problems they're facing, and others chimed in with suggestions.

At another session, a panel of digital press users discussed their experiences with their own machines, and audience members asked specific questions, to help them in making their own choices. The "State of the Industry" presentation by IPG Editor Bob Neubauer drew one of the largest audiences, as he revealed the results from a major in-plant industry survey, and discussed the reasons behind several recent shop closures.

An evening boat cruise offered great food, animated discussions and a spectacular sunset. On another evening, the group visited a renowned local fish restaurant for more food than anyone could finish.

Watch the next issue of In-Plant Graphics for more details on the successful ACUP conference. For more photos of ACUP, visit www.facebook.com/inplant.