Wide-Format Summit Series Starts Today

Wide-format Impressions and NAPCO Media have launched a two-day, free educational program designed for executives at wide-format printing companies and other print service providers interested in making successful investments in print engines, finishing systems and related technology. The program features eight keynote sessions presented by industry thought leaders as well as case studies and interviews featuring print service providers that have successfully adopted technology to improve their efficiency or pursue new market opportunities.

Originally planned as a live, invitation-only conference, the move to a first-class virtual platform enables many more printing executives to attend, including those from in-plant and commercial printing backgrounds that may just be entering the wide-format space.

Among the print-service providers featured in the program are Spectrum Print Plus, Riot Creative Imaging, Group Imaging, Firehouse Image Center, Office Depot, The Bernard Group. Olympus Group, bluemedia, GSP Retail, Image Options, Super Sign Mart, PCI Group, Impulse Graphic & Display, and Thomas Printworks.

These success stories will be complemented by keynote topics that address:

• Assessing the wide-format landscape in the new normal
• Understanding who buys wide-format graphics and how to find and sell to them successfully
• How to employ lean-manufacturing principles to eliminate inefficiency and waste
• Implementing new hardware without any surprises
• Establishing the value and ROI of outdoor advertising
• Understanding the opportunity in production digital printing
• How to “pivot” quickly to reinvent your business

Despite the disruptions caused by COVID in 2020, the program continues to focus on technology – evaluating it, implementing it, and using it to pursue new markets and applications. “Printers are definitely thinking ahead to the recovery and how 2020 is changing their needs and strategies,” said Steve Duccilli, VP of Wide-format Impressions. “Early registration data indicates that over two-thirds of the attendees are planning a capital investment. And nearly one in ten will be making their first investment in wide-format printing technology.”

The program will air on consecutive Thursdays in October:

• Thursday, October 8 from 11:00 am – 2:25 pm (Eastern Standard Time)
• Thursday, October 15 from 11:00 am – 2:25 pm (Eastern Standard Time)

Industry-leading technology vendors that are sponsoring the Wide-format Summit Series include Canon Solutions, EFI, and HP as Keynote sponsors; Durst, Fujifilm Graphic Systems, GMG Color, Matik, Mimaki, Ricoh, and swissQprint as Gold sponsors; and Zund as Silver sponsor.

To register for the free event, go to wideformatsummit.com.

About the Organizers

NAPCO Media

NAPCO Media is a leading B-to-B media company specializing in creating community through content via integrated media programs, video services, marketing services, events and event management, custom content, eLearning and market research. NAPCO Media has rapidly expanded its portfolio to include NAPCO Video Services, NAPCO Events, NAPCO Marketing Services and NAPCO Research. For more information, visit napco.com.

About PRINTING United Alliance

In a milestone in the printing industry, on May 1, 2020, SGIA and PIA officially combined to create PRINTING United Alliance, the largest, most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in the United States. Members now have unparalleled access to preeminent education, training, workshops, events, research, government and legislative representation, safety and environmental sustainability guidance, as well as resources from the leading media company in the industry – NAPCO Media.

PRINTING United Alliance produces the PRINTING United Expo and Conference, the three most important days in printing. This year, PRINTING United takes place in Atlanta on October 21-23, 2020. This expansive display of printing technologies and supplies, education, programming, and services are showcased to the industry at large, and represents all market segments together under one roof. For more information, visit PRINTINGUnited.com.